Small squirrels come in many different species with varying names depending on their size, color, habitat, and other distinguishing features. Some of the most common names for small squirrel species include chipmunk, ground squirrel, flying squirrel, pine squirrel, red squirrel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and dwarf squirrel. The specific name given to a small squirrel helps identify key traits about that species. Knowing the proper name for a small squirrel provides useful information about its behavior, habitat, diet, appearance, and conservation status.
Chipmunk
One of the most widely known small squirrels is the chipmunk. There are 25 different species of chipmunk, with the most common being the Eastern chipmunk. Chipmunks are found throughout North America and get their name from the distinct “chip” sound they make. They have stripes on their back and head and can be identified by their small size, usually ranging from 6 to 12 inches long. Chipmunks construct elaborate burrows and spend much of their time gathering and storing food like seeds, nuts, fruits, and fungi. They have large cheek pouches for carrying food back to their burrows. Chipmunks mate in early spring and females can have up to two litters per year. Though chipmunks are considered pests by some, they play an important role in seed dispersal and distributing mycorrhizal fungi spores. Their small size and stripes make them one of the most recognizable small squirrels.
Ground Squirrel
Ground squirrels are another category of small squirrels known for their burrowing behavior and residence near the ground. There are over 50 species of ground squirrel found worldwide, with notable examples being the California ground squirrel, Columbian ground squirrel, and Richardson’s ground squirrel. Ground squirrels are medium-sized, ranging from 8 to 12 inches long, with short, coarse fur and short rounded ears. They thrive in open grasslands and prairies, where they excavate burrow systems. Ground squirrels are omnivorous and eat a variety of plants, seeds, insects, and other small animals. Breeding occurs shortly after hibernation, with females having one to two litters per year. Though ground squirrels damage crops and pastures in some regions, their burrows provide habitat for other animals and help aerate soil. Their small size and tendency to stand upright to survey their surroundings make ground squirrels one of the most observable small squirrels.
Flying Squirrel
As their name suggests, flying squirrels are known for their ability to glide through the air using an expansive fold of skin called a patagium that stretches between their limbs. There are over 50 species of flying squirrel found across North America, Europe, and Asia. The two main types in North America are the southern flying squirrel and northern flying squirrel. Flying squirrels are small, nocturnal mammals that grow between 8 to 12 inches long. Their large eyes and flat tail help them maneuver through the air from tree to tree. Unlike other squirrels, flying squirrels are omnivores and eat insects, fruit, nuts, fungi, eggs, and even small birds and mammals. They nest in holes in mature trees and breed once yearly, producing litters of 2 to 4 young. Though threatened by habitat loss, flying squirrels help disperse seeds and fungi spores throughout their forest ecosystem thanks to their gliding ability. Their distinctive parachute-like patagium makes flying squirrels one of the most unique small squirrel species.
Pine Squirrel
Pine squirrels are small tree squirrels that inhabit coniferous forests across North America. There are three main species: the red squirrel, Douglas squirrel, and American red squirrel. Pine squirrels have short rounded ears, large eyes, and soft, silky fur. Their color varies from grayish to reddish brown depending on the species. Pine squirrels grow up to 12 inches long and weigh around 1 pound. They construct dreys, or nests, high up in the branches of conifer trees. Pine cones and their seeds make up the majority of pine squirrels’ diet. Pine squirrels are asocial, highly territorial rodents that produce litters of 3 to 4 young each spring. Though pine squirrels help spread the seeds of pine trees, they are seen as a pest in some regions for stealing birds eggs and raiding feeders. Their small size and association with evergreen forests make pine squirrels a distinctive North American small squirrel.
Red Squirrel
Not to be confused with pine squirrels, Eurasian red squirrels represent one of the most common small squirrel species in Europe and parts of northern Asia. These tree squirrels have rusty red fur, creamy white underparts, and large tufted ears. They grow up to 12 inches long and weigh around 1 pound. Red squirrels inhabit coniferous and mixed woodlands across their native range. They construct nests called dreys high up in the branches using moss, leaves, grass, and bark. Red squirrels eat pine cones, berries, nuts, seeds, fungi, and sometimes birds eggs. Breeding occurs in late winter, with females birthing up to two litters per year. Though threatened in the UK by the invasive Eastern gray squirrel, red squirrels help regenerate their native forest habitat by burying and dispersing seeds. Their distinctly red coat makes the Eurasian red squirrel one of Europe’s most beloved small squirrel species.
Gray Squirrel
Gray squirrels represent one of the most prevalent tree squirrels in North America, especially in deciduous eastern forests. The Eastern gray squirrel is silvery gray with white undersides and grows up to 20 inches long, making it slightly larger than other small squirrels. They construct leaf nests called dreys high in the branches using twigs, bark, and leaves. Gray squirrels eat a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, insects, and bird eggs. Breeding occurs in late winter and early spring, with females birthing up to 2 litters each year. Though gray squirrels can be considered pests, they provide an important food source for predators and help regenerate forests through caching nuts and seeds. Their large size and bushy gray tail make the Eastern gray squirrel one of the most identifiable small tree squirrels of North America.
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels are aptly named for their fox-like reddish brown or yellowish gray coat. They are one of the largest tree squirrels in North America, growing up to 29 inches long. Two subspecies exist: the Eastern fox squirrel and the Western fox squirrel. Fox squirrels inhabit mature forests with open understories across eastern and central North America. They construct leaf nests called dreys where they sleep and bear young. Fox squirrels are omnivores, eating nuts, seeds, fruits, buds, fungi, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Breeding occurs in late winter, with females birthing one or two litters each year. Fox squirrels are solitary and territorial animals that help disperse seeds and fungi spores throughout their forest habitat. Their distinctive fox-like appearance makes them stand out from other small tree squirrels.
Dwarf Squirrel
As their name indicates, dwarf squirrels are an exceptionally small squirrel species native to the Andes Mountains of South America. Also referred to as neotropical pygmy squirrels, there are around 12 species of dwarf squirrel ranging from 4 to 6 inches in length and 0.35 to 0.71 ounces in weight. Dwarf squirrels inhabit tropical montane cloud forests up to elevations of 15,750 feet. They have soft, silky fur that ranges in color from gray to reddish brown. Dwarf squirrels construct nests of leaves in tree cavities and rotting stumps. They eat fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, fungi, eggs, and insects. Breeding may occur twice yearly, with an average litter size of 2 young. Dwarf squirrels face habitat loss and population decline across their isolated mountain forests. Their tiny size makes dwarf squirrels one of the smallest squirrel species in the world.
Identifying Traits of Small Squirrels
While the specific species vary, small squirrels share some common identifying traits and features:
- Small, lightweight body usually under 1 foot long
- Long, bushy tail
- Pointed nose and long whiskers
- Large eyes and sharp claws for climbing
- Most have soft, silky fur coats in shades of brown, gray, or reddish tones
- Most reside in nests or dreys constructed in trees
- Most eat a diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, fungi, and insects
- Most breed in late winter/early spring and give birth to multiple litters annually
Knowing these shared traits makes it easier to identify the many different small squirrel species found worldwide based on more specific characteristics like habitat, coloration, and behavior.
Squirrel Conservation Status
Though many small squirrel species are prolific and resilient across their native habitat, others face pressing threats from deforestation, urbanization, invasive species, and climate change:
| Squirrel Species | Conservation Status | Threats |
|---|---|---|
| Southern flying squirrel | Least Concern | Habitat loss |
| Red squirrel | Least Concern | Invasive grey squirrels in UK |
| Eastern gray squirrel | Least Concern | None significant |
| Pine squirrel | Least Concern | Habitat loss |
| Dwarf squirrel | Near Threatened/Vulnerable | Deforestation, climate change |
Squirrels facing population declines and the threat of endangerment need dedicated conservation plans to preserve their forest ecosystems and reconnect fragmented populations. Even prolific squirrels play an important role in seed dispersal, plant regeneration, and providing food for predators. Protecting squirrel diversity ensures healthy forest habitats.
Conclusion
From chipmunks to dwarf squirrels, small squirrels display impressive diversity across the globe. Their specific names reveal key details about their traits, habitat, ecology, and conservation needs. While they may seem common in backyards and parks, many small squirrel species face an uncertain future without habitat protection and restored connectivity between isolated populations. Understanding the proper names for small squirrels provides insights into how we can best conserve these important wildlife species. Whether gliding between trees, darting through prairies, or burying acorns, the many types of small squirrels play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.