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A flying squirrel is a small to medium-sized nocturnal mammal belonging to the family Sciuridae, which also includes tree squirrels and ground squirrels. They are characterized by their ability to glide through the air using a specialized membrane called a patagium, which stretches between their limbs. This adaptation allows them to travel between trees with ease and avoid predators on the ground. Flying squirrels have large, round eyes for nocturnal vision, and they typically have thick, furry tails that help them balance and steer during flight. They feed primarily on nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and bird eggs, and they build their nests in tree hollows or abandoned birdhouses. There are around 50 species of flying squirrels found worldwide, with the exception of Australia and Antarctica.