Spot the difference - the seals of Rye Harbour

Laura Ross
, 26 July 2024
Spot the difference - the seals of Rye Harbour
Common Seal © Hugh Clarke FRPS

By Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Despite an increasing presence at the nature reserve, it’s always a treat to spot the shiny, bobbing head of a seal. Often, they disappear in the blink of an eye, so it’s handy to have a few pointers to help distinguish between the two species found at Rye Harbour; the Common (or Harbour) Seal and the Grey Seal.

Shape of the head

If you’re lucky enough to spot a seal in profile, the Grey Seal has a longer, flatter ‘roman’ nose, with parallel nostrils and eyes on the side of their head. 

Grey Seal
Grey Seal © Dave Kilbey

Common Seal have a more rounded puppy-like face, with v-shaped nostrils, a defined forehead and large eyes with a frontal position.

Common Seal
Common Seal © Barry Yates

Colour

The Grey Seal is unsurprisingly mainly grey in colour, with a mottled pattern of dark and pale blotches on its coat. Common Seal can vary greatly from a silvery tan through to a near-black colour with more uniform spots.

Common Seal
Common Seal © Katherine Crowther

Body size

Sometimes you’ll be fortunate to catch them hauled out on the shore at Camber Sands opposite the river mouth. Grey Seal are much bigger, often over 2 metres long in comparison to Common Seal at around 1.3 to 1.7 metres.

Movement on land

Grey Seal adopt a bouncing technique, whereas Harbour Seal tend to move from a resting banana shape to a wriggling, caterpillar motion.

Harbour Seal
Common Seal © Claire Andrews



The local seals get a mention in the book Shingle Shore, by Barry Yates and SC Morgan, with a reminder of the special connection we have with them: 'They are as curious as we are, and will often turn to look as you walk by. Old stories tell of fishermen calling seals to them by whistling'. Next time you happen to see one, give it a try and let us know if they look up!

Leave a comment

Comments

  • Dee Swan:

    I have often been swimming at Winchelsea beach when the Grey Seal pops his/her head up. Very inquisitive and seems enjoy the company, often staying around for the duration of our swim.

    08 Aug 2024 12:08:00

  • Christine Randell:

    Thank you most interesting

    08 Aug 2024 12:51:00

  • Rosemary:

    My friend recently saw half a dozen seals resting on the bank leading up to the harbour. We enjoyed reading your article.

    08 Aug 2024 16:45:00

  • Chris Arulraj:

    that was really interesting, and I now look forward to seeing some seals in the wild and seeing if i can identify them. I love these short info + photos, they are clear and helpful – keep them coming. thanks

    09 Aug 2024 09:33:00

  • Lesley Taylor:

    We had a fantastic seal encounter at Rye Harbour last Sunday. Up to 10 seals up on the sand bank. I was told that they were a mixed group and have enjoyed going through my photos to ‘spot the difference’.

    11 Aug 2024 11:55:00

  • Jo campbell:

    Thank you for this guide, its very helpful. We often see a solitary seal in the river mouth. It’s very inquisitive, particularly if we’re walking our dog. Our dog can smell its presence but can’t see it 😏

    14 Aug 2024 07:16:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    Hi Jo,

    We're glad to hear you found it useful. And funny that your dog is aware of them too!

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