Summary

Brolgas are tall grey cranes from Australia. The early colonial name for this species was Native Companion. In 1925 the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union adopted and popularised the name Brolga from burralga in the language of the Gamilaraay people of New South Wales.

This specimen was acquired by the Museum in 1901.

Brolga are known for their intricate mating dances where pairs display for each other, leaping, calling and flapping their wings. Pairs mate for life and will perform their dances at any time of the year.

In the south of their range Brolgas are threatened by drainage of their wetland habitats. They are considered to be Vulnerable in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

Specimen Details

Taxonomy

Geospatial Information