Vole i.d. help

[RKB]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

There is overlap between tail length, Field vole 18-49mm, Bank vole 36-72mm. It is not a particularly reliable feature. I have trapped several Bank voles with relatively short tails like this. The facial structure i.e ear and eye size, eye position in relationship to nose and nose shape and pelage colour (which this looks grey/rufus brown compared to the sandy grey brown of field voles) made me conclude bank vole.

I'm sticking with field - the features you quote are surely even more unreliable (and objective?) than tail length? What do you reckon about tail colour?

I thought field vole even on the thumbnail (I catch quite a lot of both).

[Dogghound]

I agree tail colour did originally make me think of Field, but overal impression suggested bank. Im not sure if it is the angle or position but this image some how shows features characteristic of both. Facial features and colour are quite reliable which gave me my conclusion as stated in my previous post.

Like you I catch a lot in the field and bank, they are a lot easier to ID at hand than in some photos.

[Words]

Here are a couple more shots in case they help.

[RKB]

Still Field Vole for me. There's a definite 'sausage' feel about it!

[Words]

Originally Posted by RKB

Still Field Vole for me. There's a definite 'sausage' feel about it!

A sausage vole! No wonder the kestrels are so keen on them

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Words

A sausage vole! No wonder the kestrels are so keen on them

Nice one- made me chuckle!