Stag vs Buck
The difference between stag and buck has its base in the maturity of the male deer. These terms vary with dialect. Deer are the mammals that are categorized under the family Cervidae. This deer family has three sub-families including 23 genera with 47 species. Some examples of this family include mule deer, spotted deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, reindeer, red deer, chital, etc. Most deer species show size dimorphism and hence, their sex can be identified easily. Usually, male deer are bigger than their female counterparts. Cervids show the metropolitan distribution and can be found from extreme cold condition to tropical conditions. Deer are native to all continents with the exception of Australia and Antarctica. Family Cervidae has a great range of physical diversity. The largest known species is the moose, which weighs around 1800 lbs, while the smallest species is the northern pudu, which weighs around 20 lbs. All the members are herbivores and have elongated strong legs, which enable them to live in woody and rocky mountains as well as to avoid predators. Males of all species, except Chinese water deer, have deciduous antlers. Moreover, caribou is the only species having antlers in both male and female.
What is a Stag?
Adult male deer are often called stag. Stags usually have very large antlers. Antlers are used for defense and compete with other stags for females.
What is a Buck?
The term buck is general term used for males of most types of deer species. Sometimes it is also used to refer the males of sheep, goat, rabbit and hare.
What is the difference between Stag and Buck?
• Definition of Stag and Buck:
• Stag is used only for larger adult male deer.
• Buck is used to refer male deer, which include mature and immature males.
• Usage:
• The term buck is widely used.
• The term stag is rarely used.
Images Courtesy:
- Adult male deer via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
- Mature and Young Male deer by sumeet.moghe (CC BY 2.0)
