About Sicista betulina (Pallas, 1779)
Scientific Classification and General Body Type
The northern birch mouse (Sicista betulina (Pallas, 1779)) is a small mouse with a relatively long tail.
Head and Body Length
Adult head and body length ranges from 2 to 3 inches (51 to 76 mm), and tail length ranges from 3 to 4.25 inches (76 to 108 mm).
Adult Weight
Adult weights vary between 0.2 and 0.5 ounces (5 and 13 g).
Fur Coloration
This species has yellowish-grey upper fur with a brown sheen, and pale greyish-yellow fur on its underparts.
Distinct Markings and Vocalization
A black stripe runs along the spine from the head to the base of the tail, and its voice is a high-pitched whistle.
General Distribution Range
The northern birch mouse is found in Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Northern Asia.
Core Distribution Boundaries
Its main range extends east from the Baltic region, Poland and the Czech Republic to Lake Baikal in Siberia, and runs south from the Arctic Circle to the Carpathians.
Isolated Populations
Isolated populations of this species exist in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Austria.
Primary Natural Habitats
Its natural habitats include coniferous forests, mixed deciduous woodland, marshy woodland, and damp bushy grassland.
Occurrence in Agricultural Areas
It is sometimes also found in cereal crops.
