Common Name: Distinguished Oldfield Mouse

Scientific Name:

Habitat:

The Distinguished Oldfield Mouse is primarily found in the southeastern United States, particularly in regions characterized by grassy plains, coastal marshes, and brushy areas. This species thrives in environments that offer a mix of open fields and scattered vegetation, allowing for ample cover and nesting opportunities.

Physical Characteristics:

The Distinguished Oldfield Mouse typically measures about 7 to 10 inches in length, including its tail. Its fur is primarily a sandy brown or tan color, providing excellent camouflage against the dry grass of its habitat. This mouse features a long tail, large ears, and large, expressive eyes that enhance its ability to detect predators. Distinctively, its underside is lighter, generally white or cream, which further assists in blending with the ground.

Behavior:

This mouse is primarily nocturnal, exhibiting increased activity during the night when it forages for food and interacts with others of its kind. Distinguished Oldfield Mice are known for their burrowing behavior, creating elaborate tunnel systems that provide shelter and facilitate their search for food. Their social structure often includes living in small family groups, enhancing their chances of survival.

Diet:

The diet of the Distinguished Oldfield Mouse predominantly consists of seeds, grains, and various plants. They are opportunistic feeders and may also consume insects and small invertebrates when available. Their feeding habits play a vital role in seed dispersion, contributing to the health of their ecosystem. Keywords related to their diet include ‘seed foraging’ and ‘omnivorous diet.’

Reproduction:

Typically, the Distinguished Oldfield Mouse breeds during the warmer months, with a peak breeding season from late spring to early autumn. Females can produce multiple litters each year, usually consisting of 3 to 7 offspring per litter. This mouse demonstrates attentive maternal care, nurturing its young until they are capable of independence.

Conservation Status:

The current conservation status of the Distinguished Oldfield Mouse is classified as ‘Least Concern,’ indicating that it is not currently threatened or endangered. However, habitat loss due to agricultural development poses a potential risk to its populations, emphasizing the importance of continued habitat conservation efforts.

Interesting Facts:

One fascinating fact about the Distinguished Oldfield Mouse is its strong jumping ability, which it utilizes to evade predators. Remarkably, it can leap several inches high, making it a challenging target for birds of prey. Additionally, the species is known for its vocalizations, which include chirps and squeaks during social interactions.

Role in Ecosystem:

The Distinguished Oldfield Mouse plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both a forager and prey species. By feeding on seeds, it helps in seed distribution and plant growth. Additionally, as a food source for various predators, including snakes and birds of prey, this mouse contributes to maintaining the ecological balance within its habitat.