Brolga

Description:

One of the largest cranes worldwide, stately grey bird with red head colour, long legs, wide wingspan, adults grow to almost 2 metres. Pairs usually stay together for life. Feeds on aquatic creatures, vegetation on land and near water, insects, tubers, seeds. Nests are built on mounds in shallow water. Call is a series of trumpeting sounds, gutteral noises, honks. Some are nomadic while others tend to stay within a home range.

Habitat:

Found throughout much of Australia except far south west, once found in larger numbers in all its range, the Brolgas are more well known now in the north of their range. Prefers wetland areas, swamps, open farmlands with wet ground and cultivated paddocks.

Notes:

This image captures the birds in full display and chase mode as the resident male and female let a few visiting birds know exactly how they feel about them dropping in without an invitation. I watch scenes like this often across the backyard as the resident family flies between each side of the swamp forcing off other Brolgas.