Mammals diurnal

Douglas's Squirrel

Tamiasciurus douglasii

The spirited 'chickaree' of the Pacific Northwest, the Douglas's Squirrel is a vocal, orange-bellied acrobat that rules the evergreen canopy with boundless energy.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Total length: 27–35 cm (10.6–13.8 in); Weight: 150–300 g (5.3–10.6 oz)

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Colors

Reddish-brown to olive-gray upper parts; distinctive vibrant orange or yellowish underbelly; white eye rings; black lateral stripes in summer

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Key Features

Vibrant orange or yellowish-orange belly
Small, compact body with a bushy tail tipped in white or yellow
Prominent white eye rings and twitchy, tufted ears in winter

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A specialist of conifer seeds (Douglas fir, spruce, and pine), but also highly fond of mushrooms, acorns, berries, and occasionally bird eggs or sap.

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Habitat Coniferous and mixed forests from the coast to high elevations; also common in suburban backyards with mature evergreen trees.

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Behavior

Douglas's Squirrels, often called 'chickarees,' are the high-energy sentinels of the Pacific Northwest forests. They are famously vocal and fiercely territorial, frequently standing on a high branch to scold intruders with a rapid-fire series of chirps, whistles, and trills. Unlike many other mammals, they do not hibernate; you can see them active even in the depths of winter, tunneling through snow to reach their stored food caches.

These squirrels are master foresters, spending their days harvesting green conifer cones and caching them in moist piles known as 'middens.' These middens can be used for generations and are essential for the squirrel's survival, as the dampness prevents the cones from opening and releasing their seeds. In suburban settings, they are bold and curious, often dominating bird feeders despite being smaller than the more common Eastern Gray Squirrel.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of a Douglas's Squirrel, look for their 'midden'—a large pile of discarded cone scales usually found at the base of a large evergreen or on a flat stump. This is their primary dining room. Mount your camera 3-5 feet off the ground on a neighboring tree, angled toward the center of the midden. Because these squirrels move with lightning speed, use a camera with a fast trigger speed (0.3 seconds or less) and set it to a 'Burst' or 'Photo + Video' mode to ensure you don't just catch a blurry tail.

While they are naturally attracted to pine cones, you can lure them to a specific spot using a platform feeder stocked with black oil sunflower seeds or raw walnuts. If you are using an AI-powered camera, place it near a horizontal 'travel log' or a low-hanging branch. These squirrels prefer following established aerial pathways rather than running across open ground where they are vulnerable to predators like hawks or house cats.

Lighting is a major factor in forest environments. If your backyard is shaded, adjust your camera's exposure settings if possible, or ensure the camera isn't facing directly into the morning sun, which can wash out the vibrant orange of their bellies. During the winter, the contrast of their dark fur against the snow is stunning, so consider placing your camera near a water source or a sheltered 'pantry' area where they are likely to stop and pause.

For the most engaging 'natural' behavior, try to capture them during the late summer and fall when they are in 'harvest mode.' You will see them frantically cutting cones from the tops of trees and letting them drop to the forest floor. Positioning a camera to look upward into the canopy or at the 'drop zone' can provide unique action shots of their industrious nature that you won't see at a standard feeder.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Douglas's Squirrel.

American Red Squirrel

Almost identical in size and behavior, but features a bright white belly instead of the Douglas's orange/yellow belly.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Much larger with a silvery-gray coat and a massive, bushy white-tipped tail; lacks the orange belly and ear tufts.

Townsend's Chipmunk

Smaller with distinct dark and light stripes running down its face and back; stays closer to the ground than the Douglas's Squirrel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Douglas's Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They have two major activity peaks: shortly after sunrise and again in the late afternoon before dusk.

The best way to attract them is by planting native conifers like Douglas fir or Sitka spruce. You can also provide a platform feeder with sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, or peanuts, and ensure a clean water source is available.

Their diet is centered on conifer seeds, but they are also famous for eating fungi (mushrooms), which they often hang on branches to dry for later consumption. They also eat berries, flowers, and occasionally bird eggs.

Yes, they are common in suburban areas as long as there are mature evergreen trees nearby. However, they are often outcompeted in highly urbanized areas by the larger Eastern Gray Squirrel.

While very similar, the Douglas's Squirrel has a distinct orange or yellowish belly, whereas the American Red Squirrel has a pure white belly. Their geographic ranges also rarely overlap, with the Douglas's Squirrel staying mostly west of the Cascade Mountains.

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