How can red kangaroos be distinguished from gray kangaroos?

In regions where their ranges overlap, red kangaroos can be distinguished from gray kangaroos by several distinct physical characteristics.1

While gray kangaroos are more uniformly colored and possess a haired nose, the red kangaroo features the following identifying traits:1

• Facial features: They have a convex face, a bald patch on the nose (rhinarium), and prominent black and white whisker marks on the muzzle.1
• Body markings: They exhibit whitish underparts.1
• Physical build: They possess longer arms compared to gray kangaroos.1

Additionally, while gray kangaroos are generally more uniform in color, red kangaroos exhibit sexual dimorphism in their coat color, with males typically being red and females blue-gray, though exceptions exist in most populations.1