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 occasionally observed offshore along the continental shelf where there are deep canyon systems. Just under 50 strandings have been recorded from all Irish coasts.