Long-tailed Field Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) a.k.a.Wood Mouse

Long-tailed Field Mice have a body length of 8-11 cm. Their weight fluctuates as they put on weight during the summer; weight is between 16 and 27 gms. They have dark brown fur on the top of their body, and silvery grey fur underneath. They have big ears and large protruding eyes.

They are one of the most common European small mammals. They are usually found on the edges of forests and in woodlands, in hedgerows, grassland, and gardens.

They feed on insects, centipedes, snails, and worms, and on seeds, fruit, buds and fungi.

In winter they often share their nests, with up to four individuals in any one nest. The nest is usually made of leaves, moss and grass. They nest under the ground in a complicated burrow system, which is used by consecutive generations. They sometimes nest in holes in trees. The male's territory will overlap those of other males. During the breeding season females become territorial and defend their own range.

Long-tailed Field Mice breed from March to October. The gestation period is 23 days. The usual litter is 4-7 young which wean after three weeks. One or two litters a year is the norm.

Long-tailed Field Mice are good climbers. They have good night vision and an acute sense of smell.

The Long-tailed Field Mouse can live up to 20 months.