Head to head
Sika Deer vs Fallow Deer
The sika deer and fallow deer are both spotted deer species that have been introduced far beyond their original native range, though their antlers and calls set them clearly apart.
| Sika Deer | Fallow Deer | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cervus nippon | Dama dama |
| Antler shape | Branching | Broad, flattened (palmate) |
| Rutting call | Whistling or screaming | Grunting, belching |
| Native range | East Asia | Mediterranean, Middle East |
| Introduction history | Introduced to parts of Europe and North America | Introduced widely across Europe by Romans and Normans |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Stable |
| Habitat | Forest, grassland | Forest, grassland |
Sika Deer vs Fallow Deer: common questions
How can you tell a sika deer from a fallow deer?
The clearest difference is the antlers: the sika deer has more typically branching antlers, while the fallow deer has broad, flattened palmate antlers unlike those of most other deer.
Do both the sika deer and fallow deer live outside their native range?
Yes, both species have been introduced well beyond their original range, with the sika deer spreading from East Asia into parts of Europe and North America, and the fallow deer spread across Europe from the Mediterranean by the Romans and Normans.
What do the sika deer and fallow deer sound like during the rut?
The sika deer gives an eerie whistling or screaming call, while the fallow deer gives a distinctive grunting or belching call, two very different vocal styles during the breeding season.