Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

OTHER NAMES: Western Roe Deer
Latin Etymology: Capreolus ("diminutive of goat") capreolus ("diminutive of goat")

Adult Roe Deer (subspecies C. c. capreolus) near Northumbria -  June 2022

Featured Subspecies: Capreolus capreolus capreolus
Weight: 15-35kg  /  Length: 65-75cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUTATED / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Roe Deer are the other species of native deer found in the British Isles in addition to the Red Deer. They are smaller than the Red and Fallow but bigger than a muntjac, and like the Muntjac they make barking noises. Their antlers are relatively small compared to red and fallow. A woodland species, they are relatively solitary.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Capreolus 
SUBSPECIES: C. c. canus, C. c. capreolus, C. c. decorus

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A fairly common resident

 - A single individual in the woods near Keswick

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Reeve' Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)

OTHER NAMES: Muntjac
Latin Etymology: Muntiacus ("muntjac") reevesi ("Reeves'")

Adult Reeve's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi, unknown subspecies) on Pitsford Reservoir, Northants -  January 2011

Featured Subspecies: unknown

Weight: 10-18kg  /  Length: 95cm

UK STATUS NOT EVALUTATED / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A very small deer about the size of a collie. They are much more secretive than the larger species. They are also notable in that they don't have that large antlers and instead have tusks. They make a barking noise similar to dogs. Originally an introduced species, they have spread out massively to the point where they are in some places the most common or second most common species of deer.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Muntiacus 
SUBSPECIES: M. r. jiangkouensis, M. r. micrurus, M. r. reevesi, M. r. sinensis

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A common introduced resident

 - Several seen at Pitsford Reservoir and Geddington

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus,  IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Cervus ("deer") elaphus ("deer")

Herd of Red Deer (subspecies C. e. scoticus) at Haweswater, Cumbria - April 2011

Featured Subspecies: Cervus elaphus scoticus
Weight: 160-240kg  /  Length: 201cm 
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Red Deer holds many size related records in the UK - it is the biggest extant land animal in the UK and the fourth largest deer in the world. They are one of only two native deer to the UK (along with the Roe, all others have been introduced) and are probably about the easiest to see if you are in the right place - they favour open country a lot more than the rest of the species which prefer woodland. Particularly common in the North of the country in mountainous and hilly country where it is often managed for shooting estates.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Cervus 
SUBSPECIES: C. e. elaphus, C. e. alashanicus, C. e. atlanticus, C. e. barbarus, C. e. brauneri, C. e. canadensis, C. e. corsicanus, C. e. hanglu, C. e. hispanicus, C. e. kansuensis, C. e. macnelli, C. e. maral, C.e. nannodes, C. e. pannoniensis, C. e. scoticus, C. e. songaricus, C. e. wallichii, C. e. xanthopygus, C. e. yarkandensis

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A locally abundant resident

 - Seen around Haweswater

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List,  RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

OTHER NAMES: Persian Fallow Deer
Latin Etymology: Dama ("fallow deer") dama ("fallow deer")

Three subadult Fallow Deer (subspecies D. d. dama) at Geddington, Norhants - October 2010

Featured Subspecies: Dama dama dama
Weight: 30-100kg  /  Length:130-160cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The fallow deer is the second largest deer in the UK. It was originally introduced to the UK by either the Romans or Normans (it is apparently unclear which). It is a woodland species which is often found in herds. The males have large and spectacular antlers, along with a distinctive which flecked back which differentiates it from other deer. The animals in the photo are not fully grown.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Dama 
SUBSPECIES: D. d. dama, D. d. mesopotamica

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A locally abundant resident

 - Seen most frequently around Geddington

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)

OTHER NAMES: Spotted Deer, Japanese Deer

Latin Etymology: Cervus ("deer") nippon ("of Japan")

Adult Sika Deer (subspecies C. n. yesoensis) at Akkeshi, Japan - December 2014

Featured Subspecies: Ezo Deer - Cervus nippon yesoensis
Weight: 45-109kg  /  Length: 95-180cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUTATED / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Sika Deer are the closest relation of the Red Deer and native to the Far East of Asia.  In addition to their close relationship, the Sika Deer in Japan has also benefited from the eradication of wolves in its native range, meaning that its population has exploded mostly unchecked except for humans.  The Sika deer has also been introduced into the UK in several places, and there are a number of feral populations present, some of which have been interbreeding with native red deer.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Cervus
Subspecies: C. n. aplodontus, C. n. grassianus, C. n. keramae, C. n. kopschi, C. n. mandarinus, C. n. mantchuricus, C. n. nippon, C. n. pseudaxis, C. n. pulchellus, C. n. sichuanicus, C. n. soloensis, C. n. taioanus, C. n. yesoensis

 - Sighting Locations -

JAPAN - Japanese - ニホンジカ  /  Nihonjika ("Japan Deer") 

Widespread resident

 - TOKYO/HOKKAIDO 2014 TRIP: Several seen from train near Akkeshi 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis)

OTHER NAMES: Vampire Deer, Chinese Water Deer
Latin Etymology: Hydropotes ("water drinking") inermis ("unarmed")

Adult male Water Deer (subspecies Hydropotes inermis inermis) at Thornham Harbour - November 2020

Featured Subspecies: Hydropotes inermis inermis (Chinese Water Deer)
Weight: 9-14kg  /  Length: 77-100cm  
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

This small unusual deer species is native to China and Korea - it lacks any antlers at all, but is notable for it's large fang-like tusks, causing it to be classed as belonging to it's own subfamily with Cervidae. Despite it's native habitat of East Asia, it is notably seen in the UK; following escapee's from Woburn and Whipsnade a feral population has sprung uk in the East of England, and continuing to increase.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Hydropotes
SUBSPECIES: H. i. inermis, H. i. argyropus

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - An escapee from collections that has gone on to have a breeding population.

 - Two at Thornham Harbour

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

OTHER NAMES: Black-tailed Deer, Blacktail Deer
Latin Etymology: Odocoileus ("hollow tooth") hemionus

Yonug of Mule Deer (subspecies O. h. columbianus) at Roy's Redwoods - August 2022

Featured Subspecies: Odocoileus hemionus columbianus ("Columbian Black-tailed Deer")
Weight: 43-150kg  /  Length: 1.2-2.1cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most abundant deer species of North America, the Mule Deer gets its name from it's large ostensiably mule like ears. They are found in the Western half of North America where they are found in a wide range of climates from Canada and Alaska to Mexico.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Odocoileus
SUBSPECIES: O. h. californicus, O. h. cerrosensis, O. h. eremicus, O. h. fuliginatus, O. h. hemonious, O. h. inyoensis, O. h. peninsulae, O. h. sheldoni, O. h. columbianus, O. h. sitkensis

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
Found over the majority of the Western half of the Lower 48, and pockets of Alaska. Introduced in Hawai'i
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at Roy's Redwoods, 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

OTHER NAMES: Reindeer
Latin Etymology:  Rangifer ("reindeer") tarandus (a deer like mythical creature)

Young adult Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Yukon, Canada - August 2034

Featured Subspecies: Boreal Woodland Caribou - Rangifer tarandus caribou
Weight: 80-180kg  /  Length: 2.2m 
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

With a near circumpolar distribution, the Caribou is one of most iconic species of the Arctic, and yet still one whose taxonomy is subject to new discoveries: some studies suggest the species as we recognise it now may in fact represent up to six species. Different genetic lineages, whether full species or subspecies have each developed their own ecotype for habitats such as open tundra, forest and mountains.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Rangifer
SUBSPECIES: R. t. arcticus, R. t. fortidens, R. t. granti, R. t. montanus, R. t. osborni, R. t. pearyi, R. t. stonei, R. t. caribou, R. t. caboti, R. t. terranovae, R. t. fennicus, R. t. valentinae, R. t. groenlandicus, R. t. platyrhynchus, R. t. pearsoni, R. t. plylarchus, R. t. sibiricus, R. t. tarandus

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present throughout most of Canada
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in the Yukon

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

OTHER NAMES: Whitetail, Virginia Deer
Latin Etymology:  Odocoileus ("hollow tooth") virginianus ("of Virginia")

Adult female White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at Buffalo Creek State Park, Minnesota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Odocoileus virginianus dacotensis
Weight: 40-180kg  /  Length: 95-220cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large deer species with a considerable range across North, Central and South America. They have benefitted from anthropogenic changes as the openness of agricultural areas suits them more than naturally occuring conifer forests and their range has pushed northwards. 

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Odocoileus
SUBSPECIES: O. v. acapulcensis, O. v. borealis, O. v. carminis, O. v. chiriquensis,O. v. clavium, O. v. couesi, O. v. dacotensis, O. v. hiltonensis, O. v. leucurus, O. v. macrourus, O. v. mcilhennyi, O. v. mexicanus, O. v. miquihuanensis, O. v. nelsoni, O. v. nemoralis, O. v. nigribarbis,  O. v. oaxacensis, O. v. ochrourus, O. v. osceola, O. v. rothschildi, O. v. seminolus, O. v. sinaloae, O. v. taurinsulae, O. v. texanus, O. v. thomasi, O. v. toltecu, O. v. venatorius, O. v. veraecrucis, O. v. virginianus, O. v. yucatanesis, O. v. cariacou, O. v. curassavicus, O. v. goudotii, O. v. gymnotis, O. v. maragaritae, O. v. nemolaris, O. v. puruvianus, O. v. tropicalis, O. v. ustus

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found throughout most of the Lower 48 except the Great Basin and 
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Minnesota and North Dakota

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Moose (Alces alces)

OTHER NAMES: Elk
Latin Etymology: Alces (Latin: "moose") alces (Latin: "moose") 

Adult female Moose (Alces alces) in Alaska, USA - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Alaskan Moose - Alces alces gigas
Weight: 200-700kg  /  Length: 2.4-3.1cm 
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The largest extant species of deer on the planet, the moose is a huge species that is far more soliary than most large species of deer. They are found across the taiga of North America and Eurasia including Scandinavia, the Baltic, Russia, Canada and the US with a wide number of subspecies having adapted to that. They are hunted in much of their range, although being an animal as large as they are, they can also pose a significant danger to humans.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Alces 
SUBSPECIES: A. a. alces, A. a. ptizenmayeri, A. a. caneloides, A. a. buturlini, A. a. americana, A. a. andersoni, A. a.gigas, A. a. shirasi, A. a. caucasicus (extinct)

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present in Forests throughout
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Found in Alaska, the Rockies, New England, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Alaska

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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