Red deer are larger, with a reddish-brown coat in summer, while fallow deer are smaller, with spotted coats that vary from cream to dark brown. Fallow deer also have palmate (flattened and widened) antlers, whereas red deer antlers are more branched and pointed.

Red Deer:

Size: The largest land mammal native to the British Isles.

Coat: Summer coat is a glossy red-brown. In winter, the coat is a duller brown.

Antlers: Highly branched with multiple points, growing up to 2.5cm a day during the spring.

Habitat: Prefer diverse woodland habitats, including open hillsides, forests, and moorland.

Behavior: More active at dawn and dusk, with stags roaring and grunting during the rut (mating season).

Social Structure: Live in herds, with males and females often separated outside of the rut.

Fallow Deer:

Size: Smaller than red deer.

Coat: Summer coat is typically chestnut-brown with white spots, but can also be darker brown or black. Winter coat is duller grey-brown.

Antlers: Palmate (flattened and widened), with a distinctive shape.

Habitat: Prefer diverse woodland habitats near arable or pasture land.

Behavior: More alert in open areas or smaller groups, with females generally more cautious than males.

Social Structure: Herding species, with males and females often living separately except during the rut.