Distinguishing between non-mature and mature shrews gives less variation and less overlap between species, and makes species identification more easy. This is probably the most common and numerous mammal of Norway. It can be found in all sorts of habitats, from south to north and from lowland to alpine regions, and is in some years very numerous. The common shrew is the second largest shrew of the genus Sorex, and may dominate the smaller shrews. Consequently, it may exclude smaller species from it's range, and perhaps limit their distribution.
Earthworms are a favour food.
The common shrew is characterised by a large head, and a tail shorter than the body. Along the body sides it often has a narrow, yellowish band. It's winter fur is longer with an almost black dorsal side, and no yellow along the body sides. The pygmy shrew is also widely distributed in Norway, but is rarely found in great numbers. Some places in south Norway it has been found in greater numbers than the common shrew, but normally it is much more rare.