Collie's squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Collie's squirrel |
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| In Sinaloa, Mexico | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sciurus
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| Species: |
colliaei
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| Collie's squirrel range | |
The Collie's squirrel (Sciurus colliaei) is a type of tree squirrel that lives only in Mexico. This means it is endemic to Mexico, which is a fancy word for a species found naturally in just one specific area. It belongs to a group of squirrels called Sciurus.
Contents
Where Collie's Squirrels Live
Collie's squirrels are found along the western coast of Mexico. You can find them in states like Sonora, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima. They especially love areas with lots of thick, green plants, like tropical and subtropical forests. Sometimes, they also live in deep valleys called canyons in the northern parts of their home range.
What Collie's Squirrels Look Like
People in Mexico sometimes call the Collie's squirrel a "gray squirrel." It's a medium-sized squirrel with a mostly gray fur coat.
Fur Color
- Its back is usually a darker gray. It might have a yellowish tint near the base of its tail.
- The sides of its body are a lighter gray.
- Its belly is typically white, but sometimes it can be a light orange color.
- The top of its tail is black with white tips, making it look frosted.
- The underside of its tail is gray, and the edges are white.
Size and Weight
Collie's squirrels are about the size of a large ruler, not including their tail.
- Female squirrels measure about 24 centimeters (about 9.5 inches) from head to the base of their tail. Their tails are a bit longer, around 26 centimeters (about 10 inches).
- Male squirrels are similar in size, measuring about 25 centimeters (about 9.8 inches) from head to the base of their tail. Their tails are about 24 centimeters (about 9.5 inches) long.
- Female squirrels usually weigh more, around 440 grams (about 15.5 ounces).
- Male squirrels are a bit lighter, weighing about 335 grams (about 11.8 ounces).
How Collie's Squirrels Behave
Collie's squirrels spend most of their lives in trees. They are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. You'll most likely see them right after the sun comes up and just before it sets.
Homes and Nests
These squirrels build their nests in a few different places:
- They might build nests on the outer branches of trees.
- They also like to use hollow spaces inside tree trunks.
- Sometimes, they even make their homes in old, empty termite nests.
Breeding Season
Scientists believe that Collie's squirrels usually have their babies in the spring, around March and April.
What Collie's Squirrels Eat
Collie's squirrels have a special diet. They mainly eat fruits and nuts from certain trees. They especially enjoy:
- Fruits and nuts from palm trees.
- Figs.
- They might also eat nuts from oak trees.
