How do garden mice look? - briefly
Garden mice are small rodents, 6–10 cm in body length, with slender bodies, gray‑brown fur, pink or black ears, large eyes, prominent whiskers, and a long, lightly haired tail. Their coloration provides camouflage among vegetation, while their compact size and agile build facilitate movement through garden undergrowth.
How do garden mice look? - in detail
Garden-dwelling mice are small rodents, typically measuring 6–10 cm from nose to the base of the tail, with a body weight of 10–25 g. Their compact form includes a rounded head, a short neck, and a slightly arched back.
The pelage ranges from light brown to grayish‑brown, often interspersed with darker dorsal stripes or a faint dorsal line. Undersides are paler, usually whitish or beige, providing contrast with the darker back. Seasonal molting may produce a thicker, darker coat in winter and a finer, lighter coat in summer.
Head characteristics include large, dark eyes positioned on the sides of the skull, granting a wide field of vision. Ears are relatively large, hairless, and mobile, aiding in sound localization. Prominent whiskers extend from the snout, serving as tactile sensors for navigating dense vegetation.
The tail is proportionally long, typically 8–12 cm, and covered with sparse, fine hairs. It is slightly prehensile, allowing balance while climbing stems or navigating uneven ground.
Key visual attributes:
- Body length: 6–10 cm
- Tail length: 8–12 cm, lightly haired
- Fur coloration: brown to gray dorsally, pale ventrally
- Dorsal stripe or line: optional, darker than surrounding fur
- Ears: large, hairless, mobile
- Eyes: large, dark, lateral placement
- Whiskers: long, sensitive, positioned on snout
These features collectively define the typical appearance of mice that inhabit garden environments.