Northern Bottlenose Whale

• Irish name: An Míol Mór Bolgshrónach
• Latin Name: Hyperoodon ampullatus
• Length: 6 – 10 m
• Diet: Squid, herring and bottom invertebrates

DESCRIPTION:

A large beaked whale with a large bulbous forehead that is more prominent in adult males. Adult males only have a noticeable beak and a pair of teeth present at the tip of the lower jaw. A tall, curved dorsal fin is present two-thirds along the back while the flippers appear small and oval shaped. The body’s colouration is chocolate brown overall but is lighter on the forehead, beak and underside

BEHAVIOUR:

They are an inquisitive species and may approach boats, spyhop or breach. They remain stationary at the surface after deep dives during a recovery period lasting about 10 minutes before resuming foraging dives down to 1,400 m.

IN IRELAND:

This species is predominantly observed offshore along the continental shelf where there are deep canyon systems. However, this beaked whale has also been seen repeatidly inshore near Cork and in Kerry and Down.

Strandings have been more frequent with 21 contemporary strandings.