Australia’s Smallest Gliding Possum — Meet the Feathertail Glider
The Feathertail Glider (Acrobates pygmaeus) is one of Australia’s most fascinating native marsupials — and the smallest gliding mammal in the world. Although often mistaken for a mouse due to its size, this tiny possum has unique features that set it apart, including a feather-like tail that gives it both its name and incredible agility in the trees.
In this guide, we’ll explore where Feathertail Gliders live, how they behave, and whether Sydney residents are likely to encounter them around homes or gardens.
What Is a Feathertail Glider?
The Feathertail Glider is a tiny nocturnal marsupial, weighing between 10–15 grams — about the size of a large coin. It gets its name from its unique tail, which is flat and fringed with stiff hair, resembling a feather. This structure helps it steer while gliding through trees.
Although part of the possum family, it behaves more like a flying squirrel, using a membrane between its limbs to glide up to 25 metres between trees.
Physical Characteristics
Despite its size, the Feathertail Glider has several features that make it easy to identify if seen up close:
- Size: 6–8 cm body length, with a 7–8 cm tail
- Fur: Soft grey to fawn on the back, with white underparts
- Tail: Flat and feather-like, used for balance and direction
- Eyes: Large and black, adapted for night vision
While Feathertail Gliders are the smallest gliding possums, Greater Gliders are the largest, capable of gliding much longer distances thanks to their size and wing membrane structure.
For comparison with other small possums, see the Eastern Pygmy Possum profile.
Where Do Feathertail Gliders Live?
Feathertail Gliders are found along eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales and into parts of Victoria and South Australia. In NSW, they prefer wet or dry sclerophyll forests, heathlands, and occasionally suburban gardens — if suitable tree cover exists.
In the Sydney region, their presence is more likely in outer bushland suburbs, where tall eucalypts and native shrubs provide the cover and food they need.
To learn more about possum distribution and habitats across Sydney, visit Habitat Preferences of Sydney Possums.
Do Feathertail Gliders Live in Roofs?
Unlike the Brushtail Possum, Feathertail Gliders are not typically found in roof cavities. Their small size and tree-dependent lifestyle means they prefer to nest in hollows or foliage, well above the ground.
However, in rare cases, they may enter garden sheds, timber stacks, or wall gaps near heavily wooded areas. They’re extremely elusive and unlikely to make enough noise to alert homeowners.
Feeding Habits
Feathertail Gliders feed on a variety of foods, including:
- Nectar and pollen from flowering gums and native shrubs
- Insects and small arthropods
- Soft fruits and sap
Their diet plays a role in native plant pollination, making them an important contributor to ecosystem health — similar to larger gliders like the Sugar Glider.
Gliding and Movement
Feathertail Gliders use a skin membrane, called a patagium, to glide between branches. Though their gliding range is shorter than larger gliders, they are incredibly agile, capable of leaping up to 25 metres in a single glide.
They use their tail for control and braking mid-air — an ability that protects them from predators and helps them find food efficiently.
Nesting and Social Behaviour
Feathertail Gliders are social animals that live in communal nests of up to 30 individuals. These nests, known as dreys, are built in tree hollows or crevices and are lined with leaves, bark, and fur.
Nesting behaviours peak in colder months, when they cluster together for warmth. In winter, they may enter a light state of torpor — slowing down metabolic activity — but they do not hibernate fully.
Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding can occur year-round, but most births happen in spring and summer. Females give birth to up to four young, which then climb into the pouch and stay there for around 60 days before transitioning to the nest.
By three months, the young gliders are weaned and begin independent movement — though they often stay close to the group for protection.
Threats and Conservation
Feathertail Gliders are not currently listed as endangered in NSW, but their populations are vulnerable to:
- Habitat loss due to land clearing and urban development
- Predation by cats, foxes, and large birds
- Climate change, which affects flowering cycles and food sources
Installing nesting boxes in gardens and supporting native reforestation can help provide safer environments for these delicate marsupials. Learn about other predators of possums in Sydney.
What to Do If You Spot a Feathertail Glider
Because these gliders are so small and quiet, spotting one is rare — but not impossible. If you do see one injured or trapped, avoid handling it and contact a licensed wildlife rescue organisation.
Feathertail Gliders are fully protected in NSW. It’s illegal to trap, relocate, or disturb them without proper authorisation. For more details, read Are All Possums Protected in NSW?.
Need Help Identifying a Possum or Glider?
If you’ve noticed small gliders or unusual possums near your property and aren’t sure what they are, our team can help identify the species and provide guidance. We offer inspections and humane removal options for roof-dwelling possums across Sydney.
Book an inspection or call 0468 166 733 for assistance from a licensed possum professional.
