Deer Field Signs - droppings

	Deer droppings

The study of animal droppings is not to everybody's liking, but droppings provide a useful indication that deer are present, and may even help identify the species. Size is a crucial clue, whilst other characteristics help build a more complete picture.

Unfortunately, though, not all droppings exhibit the standard characteristics popularly associated with each species. Diet, condition and size of the animal all have an influence, but used in combination with other field signs, a knowledge of dropping characteristics can be a useful tool in the nature detective's armory.

Fallow Deer: medium size droppings: 1-1.5 centimetres x .8-1.2 centimetres (½ inch x 1/3 inch); oval shape similar to those of red deer; black changing to brown.

Red Deer: large droppings: 2-2.5 centimetres x 1.3–1.8 centimetres (1 inch x ½ inch); initially black and shiny, gradually becoming duller and more dark brown; cylindrical/acorn-shaped, often pointed at one end, rounded or slightly concave at the other.

Roe Deer: small droppings: 1-1.4 centimetres x 0.7-1 centimetres (½ inch x ¼ inch); shiny, nearly black and glossy when fresh; cylindrical pellets often pointed at one end, the other end rounded.
 
Sika Deer: medium size droppings: 1-1.5 centimetres x .8-1.2 centimetres (½ inch x 1/3 inch); glossy black pellet; one end flat, indented or rounded, the other pointed.

References:
Collins Field Guide to the Mammals of Britain and Europe: David Macdonald and Priscilla Barrett
Collins Guide to Animal Tracks and Signs: Preben Bang and Preben Dahlstrom
Sika deer: Rory Putman, British Deer Society
Fallow Deer: Jochen Langbein and Norma Chapman, British Deer Society
Roe Deer: John K. Fawcett, British Deer Society
Deer Watch: Richard Prior