Apodemus sylvaticus; the Wood Mouse
The most widespread and common of the mice in the UK (at least the native species) as there are approximately 38 million. In Cheshire they appear to be declining. They are hard to distinguish from their congener the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) but they have a shorter tail, weigh less and their yellow 'bib' is less pronounced. Until 1834 the 2 species were considered to be the same.
The wood mouse eats a range of invertebrates as well as seeds, fruit, fungi, moss and tree bark. It can account for 30% of the diet of the tawny owl (Strix aluco) and is also eaten by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and all of the Mustelidae family members.
The wood mouse eats a range of invertebrates as well as seeds, fruit, fungi, moss and tree bark. It can account for 30% of the diet of the tawny owl (Strix aluco) and is also eaten by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and all of the Mustelidae family members.