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Field vole sitting on snow covered ground

Field vole

Field voles range across Europe and east into Asia. They are present on the UK mainland, but absent in Ireland and some islands. As they travel, field voles leave a trail of scent to warn off other voles. Hunting birds of prey, such as kestrels, look out for the UV light that radiates from the trails.

Scientific name: Microtus agrestis

Rank: Species

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Distribution

Map showing the distribution of the Field vole taxa

Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.

The Field vole can be found in a number of locations including: China, Europe, Mediterranean, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.

Habitats

The following habitats are found across the Field vole distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.

Behaviours

Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.

Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web

Conservation Status

Least Concern

  1. EX - Extinct
  2. EW
  3. CR - Threatened
  4. EN - Threatened
  5. VU - Threatened
  6. NT
  7. LC - Least concern

Population trend: Stable

Year assessed: 2008

Classified by: IUCN 3.1

About

The field vole or short-tailed vole, Microtus agrestis, is a grey-brown vole, around 110mm in length, with only a short tail. They are one of the most common mammals in Europe, ranging from the Atlantic coast to Lake Baikal. They are found in moist grassy habitats, such as woodland, marsh, or river banks. Although they dig burrows, they usually build nests above ground. As an important food source for owls and some other predators, their population peaks and troughs in a four-year cycle. Field voles breed at a great rate, mainly in summer, but often all year round, even under snow. females produce up to seven litters a year, each averaging from four to six young, which are weaned after only 14 days.

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BBC News about Field vole

  • Barn owls boosted by 'vole feast' A massive increase in the number of field voles in the Trossachs is helping boost the barn owl population in the area, experts say.

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