About
The fallow deer is an elegant, medium-sized deer, with a typically spotted coat. Males have broad, palmate antlers. During the autumnal breeding season, known as the 'rut', males make a loud belly belch to proclaim their territory and fight over the females. This display may involve groaning and stylised walking, but often results in dangerous, physical contact as they lock antlers. The resulting fawns are born the following summer.
Fallow deer prefer deciduous or mixed woodland with large clearings, typically living in small herds. They are also common in many deer parks throughout the country. They eat grasses and herbs, and will browse young, broadleaf trees.
How to identify
The fallow deer is variable in colour, but is mostly pale gingery-brown, with white spots on the back, a characteristic black and white tail and a white rump patch outlined in black. Some animals are darker brown without any spots, and others are very pale, almost white.
Did you know?
Fallow deer are native to Asia and were introduced into the UK by the Normans around the 11th century. They subsequently escaped from deer parks and were intentionally released into hunting forests. Today, they are widespread and the most common deer in England.