Red squirrels are a familiar sight across North America, often observed darting through trees or foraging on the forest floor. Understanding their distinct appearance helps in identification.
Key Physical Features
Red squirrels typically have a reddish-brown fur coat on their back and sides. This coloration can vary, sometimes appearing more grayish-red or rust-colored, and may show slight seasonal changes, becoming tinged with gray in winter. Their underside is usually white or off-white. A distinct black stripe often runs along their sides in summer, creating a clear demarcation between the reddish upper fur and the white belly.
These squirrels are relatively small compared to other tree squirrels. They measure between 11 to 14 inches (28-35 cm) in total length, including their tail. Their weight ranges from about 7.1 to 8.8 ounces (200-250 grams). Their bushy, often dark red tail can be nearly as long as their head and body combined, aiding in balance as they navigate through trees.
The eyes of a red squirrel are dark and noticeable, often encircled by a distinctive white ring. Their ears feature small tufts of fur that are more pronounced and reddish-brown in winter, becoming less prominent or absent in summer. Their nimble paws are well-suited for climbing, equipped with curved claws that allow them to move efficiently up and down tree trunks and branches.
Differences From Other Squirrels
Distinguishing red squirrels from other North American squirrel species involves differences in size and physical markings. Red squirrels are notably smaller than Eastern Gray Squirrels; red squirrels weigh 7 to 9 ounces, while Eastern Gray Squirrels can weigh 14 to 21 ounces (400-600 grams). Fur color also differs significantly: red squirrels have a reddish-brown coat, whereas Eastern Gray Squirrels are predominantly gray. Eastern Gray Squirrels generally do not possess the prominent ear tufts often seen on red squirrels in winter.
When comparing red squirrels to Fox Squirrels, size difference is a key identifier. Fox Squirrels are the largest tree squirrels in North America, reaching up to 30 inches in length, including their tail, and weights up to two pounds. Fox Squirrels exhibit a wider variety of fur coloration, including grey-brown, yellow-brown, or black, often with a reddish-orange tail and a brownish-orange belly. In contrast, red squirrels maintain their consistent reddish-brown upper fur and white underside. The tails of red squirrels, while bushy, are not as long or as bushy as those of Fox Squirrels.