Harvest mouse

The harvest mouse is a small and charming rodent known for its agility and distinctive nest-building behaviour. Here's an overview of this delightful creature:

• Appearance: Harvest mice are among the smallest rodents in Europe, typically measuring around 5 to 7 centimetres in body length, with a tail of similar length. They have a golden-brown fur on their upperparts, which helps them blend in with their grassy habitats, while their underparts are typically lighter in colour. They have large, dark eyes and relatively large ears compared to their body size.

• Habitat: Harvest mice are found in a variety of grassland habitats, including meadows, hedgerows, reed beds, and crop fields. They are particularly fond of tall grasses and cereals such as wheat, barley, and oats, which provide both food and shelter for the mice.

• Behaviour: Harvest mice are agile climbers and spend much of their time foraging and nesting in the tall grasses and vegetation of their habitats. They are primarily nocturnal, but may also be active during the day, especially in areas with little human disturbance. Harvest mice are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, and insects.

• Nest-building: One of the most remarkable aspects of harvest mice is their intricate nest-building behaviour. They construct spherical nests, often referred to as "dray" or "cocoons," made from woven grasses and other plant materials. These nests are typically suspended among the stalks of grasses or reeds, providing protection from predators and the elements.

• Breeding: Breeding season for harvest mice typically occurs from spring to autumn, with females giving birth to litters of 3 to 7 young after a gestation period of around 18 to 21 days. The young are born blind and hairless, but develop rapidly and are weaned after around 2 to 3 weeks. Harvest mice reach sexual maturity at around 6 to 8 weeks of age.

• Conservation: Harvest mice face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as agricultural practices such as intensive farming and pesticide use. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring suitable habitat, as well as raising awareness about the importance of protecting these charming rodents and their grassland habitats.

Overall, the harvest mouse's small size, agility, and intricate nest-building behaviour make it a fascinating and beloved species among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.