What is a brolga?
The brolga is a large grey crane found in wetlands and grasslands of northern and eastern Australia. It is famous for its elaborate dancing displays, which include leaping, bowing and trumpeting calls.
Brolgas stand up to about 1.3 metres tall and have a red patch on their heads. They are among the largest flying birds in Australia.
They feed on plants, insects, frogs and small animals in wetlands and farmland. In the dry season, they gather in large flocks.
Dancing cranes
Brolga dances involve pairs or groups stretching their wings, leaping into the air and calling loudly. The dances are thought to strengthen pair bonds and may also occur at other times of the year.
Brolgas are an important part of Aboriginal culture, and dances imitating the brolga are performed in many communities. Stories describe a woman who loved to dance and was turned into a brolga.
The brolga is the official bird emblem of Queensland. In southern states, brolgas are threatened due to the loss of wetlands.
Brolgas can be seen in places such as the Atherton Tablelands and the wetlands of the Top End.