grey_seal_species_description

Grey seal

Halichoerus grypus

The grey seal is often seen around the coast of Northern Ireland, especially on rocky coasts. It is larger than the common seal and is dark grey or brown with a slight pale mottling.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Male grey seals (bulls) are generally dark with pale mottling and a pale underside whereas females (cows) are lighter in colour with scattered blotches on the underside. The pattern of their skin can be used as a 'fingerprint' to identify individuals as it does not vary throughout their lifetime. Colour can vary a great deal and also changes depending on whether the animal is wet or dry. The young (pups) are born with a thick white coat that is shed about three weeks later. The grey seal is the largest of the two seals present in Ireland and the bulky-looking males are larger than the females. The average length of a bull from tip to tail is about 2m compared to that of a cow which is about 1.7m. Locomotion is similar to the common seal but the grey makes more use of its fore flippers when clambering over rocks. It is less sedentary than the common seal dispersing from breeding sites once the season is over. Large groups of pregnant females return to traditional breeding sites each year to give birth - this takes place on land from September to November. Adult males arrive at these sites around the time that females give birth. The majority of males defend harems and remain at the breeding site for about 8 weeks, during which time they may not feed. Mating occurs as soon as the young are weaned (usually around 3 weeks) and the females then leave the breeding site.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:

Spots, when distinguishable, larger and less numerous than in common seal.
Head large and muzzle high, giving a 'Roman nose' appearance to face. Top of head flattish. Note that head shape of young grey seals is similar to that of common seals.
Nostrils almost parallel and separated below.