Mammals nocturnal

Black Flying-fox

Pteropus alecto

The Black Flying-fox is a silent guardian of the Australian bush, a magnificent nocturnal navigator that plays a vital role in keeping our forests healthy. With their impressive wingspans and social intelligence, these 'sky puppies' are a fascinating addition to any backyard wildlife gallery.

2 Sightings

2 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan up to 1 meter (3.3 feet); weight 500–1,000g (1.1–2.2 lbs); body length 25–28 cm (10–11 inches)

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Colors

Uniformly jet-black fur across the body, occasionally with a subtle reddish-brown or chocolate mantle around the neck and shoulders; skin on wings is dark grey to black.

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Key Features

Large, pointed ears and a fox-like face
Impressive wingspan reaching over 3 feet
Entirely black or very dark brown fur
Legs lack fur below the knees
Clawed thumbs for climbing through branches

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 6 PM - 5 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily nectar and pollen from eucalyptus, melaleuca, and banksia flowers; they also consume native and cultivated fruits like figs and mangoes.

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Habitat Mangroves, paperbark swamps, rainforests, and increasingly common in urban parks and suburban backyards with mature flowering trees.

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Behavior

Black Flying-foxes are highly social and intelligent mammals that spend their lives in large, bustling colonies known as 'camps.' During the day, these camps can contain thousands of individuals hanging upside down from the canopy, where they engage in constant grooming, fanning themselves to stay cool, and vocalizing with a wide range of screeches and chatters. While they may appear to be sleeping, the camp is a hive of social hierarchy and communication.

As dusk falls, the colony performs a spectacular 'fly-out,' where thousands of bats take to the sky simultaneously to search for food. They are incredibly agile flyers, capable of traveling up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) in a single night to find the best flowering or fruiting trees. In suburban environments, they have adapted well to backyards, though they are often misunderstood. They are crucial for forest health, acting as 'gardeners of the sky' by dispersing seeds and pollinating native hardwood trees over vast distances.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Black Flying-fox on your backyard camera, you need to think vertically. Unlike most mammals that traverse the ground, these bats are canopy dwellers. Mount your camera high up in a tree—ideally one currently in flower or fruit—aiming the lens toward the outer branches where the bats are likely to land. Angle the camera slightly upward to capture them as they swoop in, or place it on a tall pole overlooking a known flight path for dramatic 'fly-by' shots.

Because bats move quickly, shutter lag is your enemy. Set your camera to its fastest trigger speed and consider using the 'Burst Mode' or high-definition video. If your camera allows for sensitivity adjustments, set the PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor to 'High.' While bats are warm-blooded, their fur provides excellent insulation, and they may not always trigger a sensor designed for larger, ground-dwelling animals unless they are close to the lens.

Lighting is critical for nocturnal species. Black Flying-foxes have sensitive eyes, so avoid using cameras with a bright white flash, which may startle them and prevent them from returning. Instead, use a camera equipped with No-Glow or Black Infrared LEDs. These provide enough illumination for clear black-and-white images without alerting the bat. If you are aiming for video, ensure the IR array has a decent range, as these bats often forage at the very tips of branches several meters away.

A unique way to attract them to your camera's field of view is to monitor the 'phenology'—the flowering cycles—of your garden. You don't need artificial lures; simply wait for your Grevilleas, Bottlebrushes, or Eucalyptus trees to bloom. During these peaks, the bats will be frequent visitors. If you have a birdbath or a pond, try positioning a camera there; Flying-foxes often 'belly-dip' or skim the surface of the water to drink mid-flight, which can result in some of the most stunning wildlife photography possible.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black Flying-fox.

Grey-headed Flying-fox

Look for a bright orange collar and a light grey head; unlike the Black Flying-fox, its fur extends all the way down to its ankles.

Little Red Flying-fox

Much smaller in size with distinct reddish-brown fur and more translucent wings when viewed against the moon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Flying-foxes are strictly nocturnal. They emerge from their roosting camps at dusk (around sunset) and remain active throughout the night, returning to their camps just before dawn.

The best way to attract them is by planting native Australian flowering trees like Eucalyptus, Corymbia, and Banksia. They are drawn to the scent of nectar and the presence of native fruits like figs.

Their primary diet consists of nectar and pollen from native blossoms, supplemented by native and exotic fruits. They are essential pollinators for many hardwood tree species.

Yes, they have become very common in suburbs across northern and eastern Australia as they follow the 'nectar flow' of suburban gardens and parks, often roosting in local mangroves or patches of bushland.

The Black Flying-fox is almost entirely black, whereas the Grey-headed Flying-fox has a distinct orange/ginger collar around its neck and grey fur on its head. Additionally, the Black Flying-fox has hairless lower legs, while the Grey-headed variety has fur all the way to its ankles.

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