Squirrels of the World

Tamias dorsalis 321

rufescent. The cheeks, the neck, the shoulders, and the
rump are pale gray. The tail is gray suff used with orange
brown.

size: Both sexes—HB 223 mm (208–243 mm); T 80–113 mm;
Mass 55–70 g.

distribution: This species is found in Arizona and New
Mexico (USA).

conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—stable.

geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.

T. c. cinereicollis—eastcentral Arizona and western New
Mexico (USA). See description above.
T. c. cinereus—westcentral New Mexico (USA). It is paler
and grayer than T. c. cinereicollis, and has small reddish
patches.

habitat: Gray-collared chipmunks favor clearings and the
edges of high-elevation pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea), and fi r
(Abies) forests; these forests are often the most mesic in the
region. This species can also be found in lower-elevation
pine, Douglas fi r (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and oak-juniper
(Quercus, Juniperus) habitats.

natural history: T. cinereicollis is diurnal. It may hiber-
nate, but it probably enters torpor for only moderate periods

of time. It is active from March to November, coming above-

ground to forage during warm periods in winter. Nests are

placed under logs, stumps, and roots, or in the hollows of

trees or woodpecker cavities. A single litter averaging fi ve

(range = 4–6) young is born in the fi rst half of June, after a

gestation of about 30 days. Nursing lasts 41–45 days; the

young appear aboveground by late July. T. cinereicollis is of-

ten seen perching on logs and stumps, sitting upright on its

haunches while vigilant. When not alarmed, it gives a mel-

low call of short “chucks,” but in response to a threat it gives

a shrill rapid “chipper.” Its diet includes the seeds of herba-

ceous plants, conifer seeds, acorns, fruits, fungi, green veg-

etation, and insects. T. cinereicollis may store food in logs,

cavities, or crevices. Gray-collared chipmunks are excellent

climbers and commonly forage in trees. This species re-

sponds positively to modest forest-thinning eff orts; how-

ever, heavier thinning and fi re treatments have resulted in

the local decline of gray-collared chipmunks.

general references: Converse, Block, et al. 2006; Con-

verse, White, et al. 2006; Hilton and Best 1993.

Tamias dorsalis (Baird, 1855)

Cliff Chipmunk

description: The dorsum is pale gray with faint or indis-

tinct stripes. The center stripe of faint brown to charcoal is

sometimes all that is visible; an additional two longitudinal

stripes may be discernable, but no others. There is a white

patch behind each ear, and two white stripes on the face.

The sides are gray to faint reddish brown. The venter is

white to cream. The tail is grizzled gray above with reddish

brown below.

Tamias cinereicollis. Photo courtesy Robert Shantz.