There are two species of seals resident in the UK, the harbour seal, also known as the common seal, (Phoca vitulina), and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus).The UK harbour seal population is estimated at 37,400 individuals and the UK grey seal population is estimated at 112,300 individuals (research completed by the Sea Mammal Research Unit).
Find out the differences between the two species:
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Harbour Seal |
Grey Seal |
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Size |
Adult: 1.3-1.7m |
Adult: 1.8-2.1m |
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Weight |
Adult: 80-100kg |
Adult Female: 150-200kg Male: up to 300kg |
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Age |
20-30 yrs |
20-30 yrs |
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Colour |
Varies between dark bro wn, pale grey and even chestnut red. Lighter colouring on stomach and chest than back. Often have mottled coats. |
Varies from near black to creamy white, adult males often darker than females. Both sexes have lighter colouring on stomach than back. Pups have white fur when born. |
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Head Shape |
Pronounced forehead, stout nose, eyes near front of head |
Long flat nose, eyes mounted midway between nose and back of head |
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Haul out behaviour |
Often spread out when on land and will venture further offshore to find haul out sites |
Tend to stay in groups when on land and remain near shore |
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Diet |
Wide variety of fish such as sandeels and cod. Also eat cephalopods such as squid |
Forage to depth of continental shelf for sandeels, cod and plaice along with many other fish species |
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Range |
Northern France to Western Iceland |
North Atlantic, Barents Sea and Baltic Sea |
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Population |
37,000 in the UK- 30% of the European harbour seal population |
112,000 in the UK- 38% of global grey population |
Harbour seal. Copyright: Lorraine Conterio
