White Beaked Dolphin
Common Name:White Beaked Dolphin
Latin Name:Lagenorhynchus albirostris
Other Names:White-nosed dolphin, Squidhound, White-beaked porpoise
Primary Classification:Odontocete (Toothed whale, dolphin or porpoise)
Sub Classification:Delphinidae
Description:
Strangely, the white-beaked dolphin may not have a white beak at all - sometimes the beak is even black! In general, those that live in the east of their range tend to have white beaks whilst those of the west Atlantic have darker beaks. This is a large species of dolphin, with a very rounded body, and a tall dorsal fin in the centre of the back. Their beaks are short and thick, and are either all white, or white and black/grey. They have a black or grey back, flippers, and tail, with a white or light grey belly. The best way to spot this species of dolphin is by the white patch on its back, which is just behind the dorsal fin.
Field ID:
Robust body; short, thick beak; White, grey or brown beak; pointed flippers; body mainly black or grey; white stripe on each side; light under-side (belly); tall dorsal fin; fast active swimmer; dark flippers, tail and fin
Length (metres):
Adults range from 2.5 to 2.8 metres (8.25 - 9.25ft), new-borns are usually 1.2 to 1.6 metres (4 - 5.25ft).
Weight:
Adult s weigh 180 to 275 kg, new-borns in the region of 40kg
Diet:
Fish, squid and sometimes crustaceans.
Behaviour:
These animals may ride the waves at the bow of ships, and sometimes breach. They may also lift their whole bodies out of the water to take a breath when swimming speedily. They are very fast and powerful swimmers. White-beaked dolphins live in deep offshore waters at most times in the year, although some move closer to the shore during the summer. They are sometimes seen with fin whales and killer whales.
Helping Dolphin Care Uk is helping the Dolphins around our coasts and for the well being of the species in general.