Deer, belonging to the family Cervidae, have varied names depending on their sex, age, and species. This specialized vocabulary provides insight into their biological characteristics and behaviors.
The Term for Female Deer
The most widely recognized term for a female deer is a “doe.” This designation typically applies to medium-sized and smaller deer species, such as the European roe deer, fallow deer, and white-tailed deer. A doe generally cares for her young, often giving birth to one or two fawns at a time.
While “doe” is common, larger female deer species may have different names. For instance, a female red deer is often called a “hind.” This term is particularly used for mature female red deer that are typically over two years old. The usage of “hind” highlights a distinction in size and sometimes age within the broader cervid family.
Naming Other Deer
Male deer are commonly referred to as “bucks,” a term applied to many species, especially those of small to medium size. This includes species like the white-tailed deer and fallow deer. Bucks are recognizable by their antlers, which they typically grow and shed annually, except for water deer.
For larger male deer, the term “stag” is often used. This applies to species like the red deer and sika deer, particularly when they are mature and possess impressive antlers. Historically, “hart” was an older term for a male deer, especially a stag over five years old. Young deer across many species are known as “fawns,” typically born with spotted coats that provide camouflage. These spots usually fade by their first winter.
Species-Specific Terminology
Deer terminology can also vary significantly by species, with some of the largest cervids using terms more commonly associated with cattle. Female caribou, also known as reindeer, are called “cows,” and their male counterparts are “bulls.” This also applies to moose, the largest deer species, where males are “bulls” and females are “cows.”
A unique characteristic of caribou and reindeer is that both males and females grow antlers, a trait uncommon in most other deer species where only males possess them. Female reindeer retain their antlers through the winter, often until spring, unlike males who typically shed theirs by early December after the mating season. This biological detail is why Santa’s reindeer are often depicted with antlers, suggesting they are female.