Bryde's Whale

In the azure waters of the Azores, the Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) emerges as a captivating marine presence. Characterized by its streamlined body and distinctive, elongated dorsal fin, the Bryde’s whale is an agile filter feeder, primarily relying on krill and small fish for sustenance. Known for its acrobatic displays, these whales gracefully breach and display tail slaps, showcasing their dynamic presence in the Atlantic waters.

Bryde’s whales are recognized for their tropical and subtropical habitat preferences, reflecting their affinity for warmer oceanic zones. Despite being one of the lesser-known baleen whale species, our scientific fact sheet delves into the intricacies of their feeding behaviors, communication patterns, and migratory habits. Join us on an exploration of the Bryde’s whale, uncovering the mysteries that surround this remarkable marine mammal and gaining insights into their role within the vibrant ecosystems of the Azores.

Quick facts

Length

Male: 14,5m

Female: 15m

Calf: 4m

Weight

Male: 25 tons

Female: 25 tons

Calves: 750kg

Habits

Dive Time

5-20 min

Dive Depth

300m

Reproduction

40-50 years

Life Span:

11-12mth

Gestation period:

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

The Bryde’s whale, typically a solitary marine dweller, engages in varied social structures that provide insights into its ecological adaptations. While individuals are commonly observed navigating the ocean alone, occasional sightings reveal the formation of small groups comprising 2 to 3 members. These smaller groupings suggest potential cooperative behaviors, such as hunting or social interactions, within the species.

In certain circumstances, particularly in rich feeding grounds, Bryde’s whales exhibit a fascinating social dynamic—loose aggregations ranging from 10 to 20 individuals. These larger gatherings hint at the abundance of prey in specific areas, drawing multiple whales to exploit the plentiful resources collaboratively. The group dynamics of Bryde’s whales offer a glimpse into their adaptable nature, allowing them to navigate both solitary and cooperative behaviors based on the availability of food sources in their tropical and subtropical habitats.

Dive sequence

@Georgina Cabayol

Behavior & Feeding

Vocalizations +

Known for producing short, yet powerful, low-frequency moans that resemble the vocalizations of other Balaenopterids. These sounds can vary in terms of frequency, duration, modulation, and the presence or absence of harmonics, depending on the geographic region and group size of the animals.

Foraging +

During feeding, this species exhibits abrupt directional shifts both above and beneath the water’s surface. It utilizes a diverse range of foraging strategies, including active lunge-feeding, which can attract seabirds and other pelagic predators, and surface skim-feeding. There have also been reports of this species using bubble nets to trap prey, and in the Gulf of Thailand, it has been observed using a passive feeding technique called “trap-feeding” or “tread-water feeding.” This technique involves the whale hanging vertically for several seconds with its mouth wide open at the surface, allowing fish to swim or wash inside, before lifting its head and closing its mouth.

Diet +

Bryde’s whales consume approximately 600 to 700 kg of food daily. Their diet includes krill, copepods, red crabs, and shrimp, as well as several types of schooling fish, including herring, mackerel, pilchards, and sardines. While it appears to have specific prey preferences, it is primarily an opportunistic feeder and will adapt its prey selection based on availability, geographical location, season, and year.

Communication / Echolocation +

They produce high pitched low frequency sounds (20-950 Hz), including moans, calls and sweeps, which varies in frequency, modulation, duration and whether harmonics are present. Its variation relies on geographic region and group size, though most Bryde whales have a call recorded in different locations which is below 60 Hz, last 1,4 s and is produced in extended sequences. A single whale can emit two calls at a time.

Identification +

At sea, they can easily be confused with other baleen whales, particularly sei whales, which overlaps in mid-latitudes. The distinguishing feature of the Bryde’s whale is a set of three parallel ridges on top of the head, in comparison to the one ridge in sei whales and the rest of rorquals. Of the two species, Bryde’s whales may also be more active on the surface, often with irregular breathing patterns and frequent changes in direction.

Predators

In the Bryde’s whale groups, the constant threat of predation shapes their social dynamics. Killer whales, formidable hunters, are prominent predators, influencing the whales’ adaptive behaviors to avoid predation. Additionally, the vulnerability of Bryde’s whale calves to large sharks adds complexity to their group structure.

The need for protective measures and strategic formations becomes evident as the whales navigate the balance between survival and challenges posed by marine predators. Understanding these relationships provides insights into their ecological roles and evolutionary strategies for continued existence.

https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/species/brydes-whale

Distribution & Movements

Bryde’s whales are widely distributed, inhabiting tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters around the globe with temperatures ranging from 61°F to 72°F. They can be found in all oceans between 40° south and 40° north. While some populations of Bryde’s whales migrate with the seasons, moving away from the equator during the summer and towards the equator during the winter, others are residents and remain in one location throughout the year.

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual maturity

10 years of age average

Gestation period

10 – 12 months

Number of calves

1 calf every two years (occasionally three)

Suckling period

12 months

Lifespan

40 to 50 years

Species in the Azores

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm whales hold the title of largest predator on Earth eating mostly giant squids from the deep oceans.

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

View profile

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

View profile

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

View profile

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

Notable for their striking body patterns and acrobatic prowess.

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

View profile

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

View profile

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales are elusive denizens of the North Atlantic, recognized by their slender beaks and distinctive forehead bulges.

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

View profile

Sanguinho

Frangula azorica

Sanguinho

Frangula azorica

View profile

Gingeira Brava

Prunus azorica

Gingeira Brava

Prunus azorica

View profile

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

View profile

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

View profile

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

View profile

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

View profile

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

View profile

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

View profile

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

View profile

Whale Watching Azores Essentials

Explore, Love, and Protect: Unveiling the essence of Whale Watching in the Azores

More information

Explore Azores

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde's Whales: Agile Filter Feeder of Tropical Waters.

Quick facts

Length

Weight

Habits

Reproduction

Reproduction

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern <img width="21" height="26" class="graphics-design-i" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tooltip-more-info-futurismo.svg"> Common and widespread, low vulnerability.

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Dive sequence

Behavior & Feeding

Predators

Distribution & Movements

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual maturity

Gestation period

Number of calves

Suckling period

Lifespan

Species in the Azores

Sighting frequency

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Species

Departure Points

Dates

Related Scientific Articles

González, L. (2018): Spatio-temporal distribution of the order Cetacea in the Azores: relationship between biotic and abiotic variables

Sousa, A. et al (2021): Climate change vulnerability of cetaceans in Macaronesia

Van der Linde, M. et al (2013): Baleen Whales Sighted Occasionally in the Azores: Bryde’s Whale, Minke Whale, and Humpback Whale

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern

Common and widespread, low vulnerability.