Grey-headed Fruit-Bat
Scientific Name: Pteropus poliocephalus
Size: Head-body 220–280 mm; Forearm 152–177 mm
What does it look like?
The fur of the Grey-headed Fruit-bat (or flying-fox) is greyish-black on back, paler grey on face and belly, generally heavily flecked or dusted with silverish-grey, and with some reddish-brown on belly. It also has a full collar of reddish-brown fur.
Where is it found?
It occurs along the coast, ranges and slopes of southern and eastern Australia, from around Mackay Qld, through NSW and Vic, to south-eastern SA and islands in Bass Strait. Scattered records have occurred further inland.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Grey-headed Fruit-bat roosts in large colonies of up to several thousand individuals in dense vegetation, favouring wetter areas and gullies. It is nocturnal, and forages over wide area of native forests, gardens and orchards for fruits, nectar, pollen and occasionally leaves.
Interesting facts
Some roost sites have been used for more than 100 years.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Australia
