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Common Shrew Sorex araneus Length 9-14cm Lives mainly in ground cover or underground, and hence easily overlooked. Leads a frenetic life, its search for invertebrate food seemingly never ending. Adult has velvety fur, dark brown above, with buffish flanks grading to greyish white on underparts. Head extends to a pointed, whiskered snout. Eyes are tiny and beady eyes and ears are small. Tail is relatively short compared to Pygmy Shrew. Utters high-pitched squeaks and shrill screams. Widespread and common in hedgerows, grassland and woodland margins.