Found across a wide stretch of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia, this little mammal belongs to the white-toothed shrews, a group known for their sharp reflexes, high metabolism, and fierce hunting habits. Despite weighing only a few grams and measuring less than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) from nose to tail, the bicolored shrew is a powerhouse of energy—constantly in motion, endlessly alert, and driven by one simple rule: never stop moving.
As its name suggests, the bicolored shrew is instantly recognizable by its distinct two-toned fur. Its back is a rich, dark brown or grayish-brown, while its underside is bright white or pale gray, with a clear, crisp dividing line along its sides. This sharp contrast gives it a tidy, almost tailored look, as though it’s wearing a tiny brown coat over a white shirt. Its long, pointed snout, small beady eyes, and short, fine whiskers give it an inquisitive, almost mouse-like appearance—but don’t be fooled. Unlike mice, shrews are not rodents at all; they belong to their own group of insect-eating mammals, closer in relation to moles. The Bicolored shrew’s tiny, needle-sharp teeth—lacking the reddish iron pigment of red-toothed shrews—are perfectly designed for gripping and slicing through its prey.
Despite its size, the bicolored shrew is far from timid. It’s known to be aggressive toward intruders, especially other shrews, and will defend its territory with fierce squeaks, chattering, and even fights. It uses high-pitched ultrasonic calls for communication—sounds that are mostly inaudible to human ears but help individuals recognize each other or mark territory boundaries. Although largely nocturnal, it may also forage during the day, particularly in cooler seasons when food is scarce. Its habitats are diverse, ranging from woodlands and grasslands to gardens, hedgerows, and even human settlements, as long as there is shelter and abundant insect life.
Distribution
Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Switzerland
Syria
Turkey
UkraineAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
