Common Seal
Phoca vitulina
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Common (or Harbour) Seal is less frequently seen on the Sefton Coast than the Grey Seal. Smaller and with a distinctly rounded, more dog-like face compared to the Grey Seal's long Roman nose. Pups are born in June and can swim immediately unlike Grey Seal pups. Worth checking any seal sighting carefully for the rounder head shape.
At a Glance
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Phocidae |
| Habitat | Estuary · Sandbank · Open sea |
| Diet | Fish, squid, crustaceans |
| UK population | Around 30,000 — smaller than Grey Seal population |
| Sefton Coast | Occasional visitor; less frequent than Grey Seal |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Occasional on Ribble sandbanks. Less frequent than Grey Seal at Formby.
Identification
Smaller than Grey Seal. Round head, concave profile, large eyes. Mottled grey-brown. V-shaped nostrils (Grey Seal has parallel nostrils).
Viewing & Photography Tips
Compare head shape with any Grey Seals present. Common Seal's rounder, more 'puppy-faced' look is distinctive with practice.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Common Seal from Grey Seal?
Head shape is the key difference. Common Seal has a round, concave-profiled, puppy-like face. Grey Seal has a long, straight Roman nose — particularly obvious in bulls. At close range, Common Seal's nostrils form a V-shape; Grey Seal's are more parallel. Common Seal is also smaller — about two-thirds the size of an adult Grey Seal.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.