It is smaller than a Grey Squirrel and measures around 30 – 33 centimetres in length with a tail length of around 13 – 15 centimetres. Their weight ranges from 160 – 300 grams. During the summer, Chickarees have a grey/brown to rusty red fur on their backs with pale orange chests and brown legs and feet, however, come winter, their upper fur appears browner and underparts appear more grey in colour. The upper and under parts are separated by a ventral dark or white coloured stripe.
The Chickaree is strictly a forest-dweller and is found throughout the northern boreal forests. They prefer coniferous and mixed forests, however, it is frequently found in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows and second-growth areas.
They are omnivorous and eat whatever food is available. Their main diet is nuts, seeds, fruit, acorns, berries and mushrooms (a mushroom called ‘Amanita’ that is poisonous to humans), however, being more carnivorous than other squirrels, the Chickaree has gained a bad reputation because some devour the eggs and young of nesting birds such as the Yellow Warbler.
Chickarees are noisy characters and can be heard chattering and repeating their calls often. They have a routine call which is repeated every minute or so. Chickarees are nervous, inquisitive little characters who are active by day, particularly at dawn and in late afternoon throughout the year. They sleep at night.
