What is "common shrew"

n. A shrew, ''Sorex araneus'', one of the most common mammals.

n. common American shrew [syn: Sorex araneus]

The common shrew (Sorex araneus) or Eurasian shrew is the most common shrew, and one of the most common mammals, throughout Northern Europe, including Great Britain, but excluding Ireland. It is long and weighs , and has velvety dark brown fur with a pale underside. Juvenile shrews have lighter fur until their first moult. The common shrew has small eyes, a pointed, mobile snout and red-tipped teeth. It has a life span of approximately 14 months.

Shrews are active day and night, but mostly after dark. They are active most of the time, resting for only a few minutes between bursts of activity.