Singing Vole

Microtus miurus

The Singing Vole of Alaska and Yukon is named for the low, chipping vocalizations that individuals produce while gathering and piling vegetation in haypiles—behavior similar to pikas. Unlike most voles, it does not hibernate and relies on its dried haypiles to survive the harsh Arctic winter. Its back has a buffy mid-dorsal stripe and the overall color is more yellowish than other tundra voles.

Habitat

Arctic and subarctic tundra with rocky outcrops and shrubs

Diet

Grasses, sedges, willows, and stored haypiles

How common

Uncommon

Not certain it is a Singing Vole? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.