M. minutus is a small mouse, ranging in size from 55 to 75 mm long, with a tail that is usually 50 to 75 mm long. It has large eyes and ears, which permits it to see the slightest motions and hear the faintest sounds in the darkness. It has a small, blunt nose encircled by vibrissae. The fur is soft and thick, with the upper parts of the body a brownish color with a yellowish or reddish tinge, and the under parts white to buffy colored. The prehensile tail is bicolored and lacks fur at the very tip, and the feet are fairly broad. The feet are specially adapted for climbing, with the outer of the five toes on each foot being large and more-or-less opposable. This mouse can grip a stem with each hindfoot and its tail, leaving the forepaws free for collecting food. It can also use its tail for balance as it scurries along long grass stems. The fur is somewhat thicker and longer in the winter than in the summer.
Stunning. We were talking about mice this morning because I saw four huge rats on my walk last night and my kids want me to find them a cute field mouse to photograph. I think I will just show them your photo and save my time :)
Too sweet for words, fav! Chantal, I will miss your pictures so much when I go. I'm thinking of ways I can still post pictures on the Internet if people want to see them.
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