Cliff Chipmunk
ExploreMammals
Cliff Chipmunk
neotamias dorsalis
The Cliff Chipmunk (Neotamias dorsalis) is a charismatic and highly agile rodent native to the mountainous regions of the southwestern United States and western Mexico. Unlike many of its cousins who prefer the cover of dense forest floors, this daring little acrobat is right at home navigating sheer vertical canyon walls and rocky talus slopes. They are frequently spotted darting across sandstone ledges, using their sharp claws and long, expressive tails to maintain balance in precarious situations. Their lively nature and bold foraging habits make them a delightful sight for hikers in rocky terrain.
Habitat: Typically found in rocky cliffs, canyons, talus slopes, and adjacent pinyon-juniper woodlands of the American Southwest.
Appearance
This medium-sized chipmunk is characterized by its primarily gray coat, which provides excellent camouflage against rocky backgrounds. While it features the classic dark and light facial stripes of a chipmunk, the stripes along its sides are noticeably faint and blurry, leaving the dark stripe running down its spine as its most prominent marking. It features a pale cream-colored underbelly, large dark eyes, and a remarkably bushy, gray-and-black tail that it actively flicks when alarmed or communicating.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusNeotamias
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Their faint side stripes are an evolutionary adaptation for camouflage, mimicking the shifting shadows of rocky cliffs rather than forest foliage.
To maintain balance during dramatic jumps between cliffs, they use their bushy tail as a dynamic rudder in mid-air.
Unlike many other chipmunks that hibernate deeply, the Cliff Chipmunk does not hibernate fully and may wake up to forage on warm, sunny winter days.
Special abilities
Ability
Gravity-Defying Agility
Possesses specialized claws and flexible ankles that allow it to scale vertical rock faces and jump between canyon crevices with extreme ease.
Ability
Internal Food Pockets
Features highly expandable cheek pouches used to hoard and transport seeds from open feeding areas back to the safety of its rocky den.
Ability
Sentinel Vocalizations
Employs a complex communication system consisting of high-pitched chirps and whistles to alert nearby family members of approaching predators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20+ cm
- Weight
- 0.05+ kg
- Lifespan
- 2+ years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2+
- Incubation
- 28+ days
Diet & Feeding
An opportunistic feeder that primarily consumes seeds, nuts, and berries, but will readily supplement its diet with insects and small bird eggs.
Primary Foods
- Pinyon pine seeds
- Acorns
- Juniper berries
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
mutualism
Colorado Pinyon Pine
Pinus edulis
Feeds heavily on seeds and assists in seed dispersal.
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Preys on the chipmunk as a primary food source.
competitor
Rock Squirrel
Otospermophilus variegatus
Competes for foraging resources and rocky nesting crevices.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Cliff Chipmunk?
The easiest way to identify Cliff Chipmunk is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Cliff Chipmunk?
20+ cm
How much does Cliff Chipmunk weigh?
0.05+ kg
How long does Cliff Chipmunk live?
2+ years
How fast can Cliff Chipmunk move?
15 km/h
What does Cliff Chipmunk eat?
An opportunistic feeder that primarily consumes seeds, nuts, and berries, but will readily supplement its diet with insects and small bird eggs.
Where is Cliff Chipmunk usually found?
Typically found in rocky cliffs, canyons, talus slopes, and adjacent pinyon-juniper woodlands of the American Southwest.
How does Cliff Chipmunk hunt?
Foraging
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