The Grey-headed Flying-fox, Pteropus poliocephalus, is the largest bat in Australia and one of the largest in the world, with a head and body length of 23-29cm, a wingspan upto 1m, and weight of 600g to 1000g.

The head is covered with light grey fur, the collar is orange/brown, belly is grey and the abck may be dark grey or have a silver, frosted appearance. Winter fur is darker than summer fur, as they moult in June. Each Flying-fox is unique, and may be recognised by its face and manner.

Flying-fox roost in colonies, usually in gullies, where they hang from the trees. Colonies are obvious from the loud chattering sounds of the bats, and the distinctive smell. Colonies are known at Glebe Park, Bega, and near Chalkhills Creek, South Pambula. Flying-fox seen at Manna Park and Mandeni may be foraging after leaving either of these colonies, or while travelling during migration.

Flying-fox are highly mobile, with individuals recorded travelling more than 2000km over a 9 month period. They appear to follow the flowering of trees included Bloodwood and Angophora, which begin flowering to the north and progressive flower further south.

Flying-fox are a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore, eating mostly eucalypt flowers and rainforest fruits. They are also attracted to commercial fruit trees. Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) report that Flying-fox are rescued from entanglement in orchard netting; which can be avoided if the netting is kept taught, and also from entanglement on barbed wire. Barbed wire over water is a particular hazard, as the Flying-fox swoop over water to drink.

The Flying-fox photographed here have been rescued by WIRES and are being rehabilitated (T. Hastings 16/6/2010).

For more information see DSEWPC (2011) Pteropus poliocephalus - Grey-headed Flying-Fox, Species Profile and Threats Database.