Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

• Irish name: Míol mór socach Sowerby
• Latin name: Mesoplodon bidens
• Size: 5.1 – 5.5 m
• Diet: Squid and deep sea fish

DESCRIPTION:

A slim whale with an elongated, narrow beak and rounded forehead. The dorsal fin is triangular curving to a point while the flippers are small and inconspicuous. Males characteristically have two triangular teeth present mid-way along the lower jaw. The back and sides are a dark grey to chocolate brown colour with white undersides. Males are usually extensively scarred.

BEHAVIOUR:

Their beak emerges from the water at a very steep angle while surfacing. They may breach occasionally and tail slap. This species can reach depths of 1,500 m over 30 minute foraging dives.

IN IRELAND:

While Sowerby’s beaked whales have been sighted in Ireland once and acoustically recorded repeatidly, most information comes from the multiple strandings. Reports have become more regular since the late 2010s with strandings varying from none to 4 annually.