Sika deer

About

The male is known as a STAG, the female is known as a HIND and a baby is known as a CALF. A group is known as a HERD. They are similar in size and stature to fallow deer, but darker. They are reddish brown to yellow-brown, dark dorsal stripe surrounded by white spots in the summer. D

ark grey to black, their spots are faint or absent during the winter. Their tail is shorter and with less distinct stripe than fallow. Very distinct white gland on hind leg. Their antlers are branched, similar to red deer but usually with a maximum of eight points. They are vocal.

Sika have a wide repertoire of vocalisations. Stags groan, blow raspberries, yak-yak and give a high-pitched whistle during the rut or can emit a startling scream! Hinds with calves whine and calves reply with a bleat or squeak. When alarmed both sexes give a short, high-pitched bark. Sika are active throughout the 24-hour period but are more active during the hours of darkness in populations experiencing frequent disturbance.