Grey Seal vs Harbour Seal

The Grey Seal is the largest seal that breeds in Britain and one of the biggest true seals. Male seals can grow up to 2.5 metres long and have a distinct long nose that looks like a Roman nose. Female seals are smaller and have flatter faces that look a bit like dogs. Their coat colour can vary a lot, from dark grey-brown to pale silver, with blotchy patterns that are unique to each seal. Unlike Common Seals, their nostrils form a W-shape or run parallel when seen from the front. Grey Seals are found throughout the North Atlantic and are especially common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. These areas hold about forty percent of the world’s Grey Seal population. They prefer rocky shores and islands for their breeding colonies. They also rest on beaches, reefs, and small rocky islands called skerries. When it is not breeding season, Grey Seals travel widely across coastal and offshore waters. They dive deep to hunt for fish and squid.

The harbour seal is a sturdy, fairly small true seal with a rounded head and distinctive V-shaped nostrils. Adults usually measure between 1.5 and 1.8 metres long. Their coat colours range from pale grey to brown or black, often marked with darker spots or rings. Unlike grey seals, harbour seals do not have a prominent forehead and have a more dog-like face. They are commonly found around the coasts of Britain and Ireland, preferring calm waters such as estuaries, harbours, and sandy or rocky shores. They come ashore on sandbanks and beaches at low tide, often resting in small groups. The species tends to return to the same resting spots repeatedly, showing a strong attachment to particular locations. When swimming, harbour seals usually keep their heads low in the water to avoid making much of a splash. They are generally more cautious around people than grey seals and often slip quietly back into the water if approached.