Richmond Park London Deer

Roe deer are relatively small, agile and alert; in Richmond Park they are less common than fallow but occur around the park margins and in thicker scrub. They are browsers that favour edge habitats and are most visible at dawn and dusk.

Small, compact deer with a short muzzle, upright ears and a white rump patch (especially in summer). Bucks have short antlers with usually two or three tines; body length and delicate legs distinguish them from fallow and muntjac.

Common Confusions

• Reeves's Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi Muntjac are plumper, have a more hunched posture and produce barking calls; roe are more delicate with a white rump patch in summer.
• Fallow Deer Dama dama Fallow are larger and often spotted; roe have a small, compact body and a short, squared face.
• Young Red Deer Cervus elaphus Young red deer are larger than roe and have different head proportions and antler development in males.
• Small Goat Capra hircus Goats have horns and a different head and tail carriage; roe have a distinct white rump patch and cloven-hoof gait.
• Hare Lepus europaeus Hares have long ears and different bounding gait; roe are deer with cloven hooves.