common_seal_species

Common seal

Phoca vitulina

Common seals are usually found on sandy shores and estuaries around Northern Ireland. They are smaller than the grey seal and are generally grey/brown in colour, made up of a mottle of dark spots on a lighter background. They are often seen on the shore in quite large groups, and exhibit a characteristic 'head up-tail up' posture.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: The common seal is the smallest of the two seal species found in Irish waters. The colour and pattern of the coat is quite variable but generally there is a mottle of darker spots on a light grey-brown background. Occasionally a black dorsal strip is present. Males are generally darker than females. The coat fades to a brownish tinge prior to the moult in late summer. Adult males are distinguished from females by having a heavier build, particularly in the neck region where scarring can often be seen. The scarring is a result of fighting between males although there seems to be less fighting than in grey seals. The head is rounded with a short snout that appears to be turned upwards. Adult males are generally slightly larger than females and measure about 140cm from nose to tail and weigh between 60kg and 100kg. Common seals return to the same hauling-out site day after day. The mating season occurs between mid-August and early October. Females give birth to a single pup between June and July, usually in shallow water or occasionally on land. Seal pups can swim and dive from birth, and are good swimmers by the time they are weaned during late July.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:

When hauled out often adopt a characteristic 'head up-tail up' attitude.
Head small in relation to body
Nostrils at 'V' angle and almost touching below