Squirrel Identification Information

A red squirrel is not always red and a grey is not always grey... coat colour is not the best way to identify squirrels.

The ears and tail are better guides for identification and with this guide you should be able to easily identify reds and greys. Our downloadable sightings form also has this information on it.

Red Squirrel

Key Features: Ear tufts on adults. Bushy tail all one colour.
Coat: Usually reddish-brown with a pale bib. Can be variable, appearing dark (sometimes almost black), or very light due to bleaching by the summer sun when they can appear blonde or greyish.
Size: 18 – 22 cm body length. Slender build. Weighs around 275-350g.
Behaviour: Spends most of its time in trees. Quite timid, rarely seen far from tree cover.

Grey Squirrel

Key Features: Tail has white edge like a halo. No ear tufts.
Coat: Predominantly grey. Very often tinged orange/red/brown along the body (particularly the back) and on the face.
Size: 25-27 cm body length. Stocky build. Weighs around 400 - 600g.
Behaviour: Quite bold and tenacious, frequently seen on the ground as well as in trees. Can be seen a distance from tree cover, in open ground.