Sarus Crane

1. Crimson-red bare head and upper neck with black bristle "beard."

2. Light grey body with darker shading on the breast and belly.

3. Pale pink legs (as opposed to the Brolga's black legs)

Sarus Cranes breed during the wet season (January-March), constructing large platform nests in wetlands. Their courtship displays include synchronized duets, elaborate dances with jumps, bows, and pirouettes. Pairs mate for life, sharing responsibilities for incubating eggs and raising chicks until the next breeding season.

Sarus Cranes are found in northern Australia, particularly around Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria and Atherton Tablelands. During the wet season (December-April), they inhabit wetlands with scattered trees. In the dry season, they gather in agricultural fields, especially freshly plowed areas. Dawn and dusk are ideal times to observe them feeding or calling with their loud, trumpet-like sounds that carry across vast landscapes.

The Sarus Crane was first officially recorded in Australia near Normanton in 1966. Since then, its range has expanded southward. While agricultural development has created additional feeding habitats like rice paddies, habitat loss due to land use changes remains a significant threat. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetlands and mitigating risks such as electrocution from power lines.