THE RED DEER Cervus elaphus
General Ecology:
About 80% of the Scottish red deer population live in open-hill habitats year-round. These animals tend to be smaller and produce fewer young than those resident in woodland habitat. Diet
Grasses, sedges and rushes comprise the bulk of the summer diet, with dwarf-shrubs such as heather and blaeberry more important in winter. Young trees are also browsed.In winter red deer usually concentrate on sheltered lower ground, moving to higher altitude summer feeding areas. Location
In Britain most red deer are found on the open moorlands of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, although scattered populations are found elsewhere such as north west England, East Anglia, Exmoor and Ireland. Breeding

Calves produced as a consequence of rutting and subsequent autumn matings are born from mid-May, with a peak of births in the 1st or 2nd week of June. Calves are usually weaned by 8 months old. Recognition

Our largest deer species, up to 1.2 metres in height at the shoulder. Red-brown coat colour with no spots in adults. Antlers of males usually branched, not palmate. Rump pattern creamy, not delineated by black lines.