Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Elusive denizens of the North Atlantic.

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale, scientifically known as Mesoplodon bidens, was the first of its kind to be described, marking a significant discovery in cetacean taxonomy. This species, named after James Sowerby who first depicted it, inhabits the cool waters of the North Atlantic. Characterized by a nondescript light to dark grey coloration above and lighter shades below, these whales bear white linear scars that tell tales of their encounters in the deep.

Adult males feature a dark bluish-grey to lighter slate-grey topside, with a slight brownish tinge possibly due to diatom accumulation. They possess a fairly streamlined, spindle-shaped body, a small dorsal fin positioned two-thirds along the back, and a long, slender beak that’s often visible upon surfacing. A distinctive bulge on the forehead, small, narrow flippers, and two small teeth located on the lower jaw further distinguish this species. The whales’ elusive behavior, combined with physical adaptations such as the V-shaped throat grooves and the potential for heavy scarring from interactions within their environment, underscore their mysterious nature.

Quick facts

Length

Male: 5,5m

Female: 5,1m

Calf: 2,4m

Weight

Adults: 1500 kg

Calves: 185 kg

Habits

Dive Time

12-28 min

Dive Depth

400-750m

Reproduction

Unknown

Life Span:

12 months

Gestation period:

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Very little is known, but Sowerby’s Beaked Whales tend to form small groups ranging from 3 to 10 individuals. These groups may consist of a mix of females, calves, immatures, and one or more males, with occurrences of small all-male groups as well. Most strandings involve solitary animals or mother-calf pairs, though there have been records of up to six individuals stranding together.

Dive sequence

@Georgina Cabayol

Behavior

Socializing +

Sowerby’s beaked whales engage in various social behaviors, such as breaching, spyhopping, and tail-slapping, which are often observed in small groups surfacing closely together. These behaviors suggest a complex social structure and communication system within the species.

Resting +

While resting behaviors of Sowerby’s beaked whales are not extensively documented, it is presumed that they rest intermittently between periods of foraging and social interactions. Further research is needed to understand the specifics of their resting behavior, including duration and locations preferred for resting.

Foraging & Diet +

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales primarily feed on small to mid-sized deepwater fish and occasionally consume squid. However, the exact feeding habits of these whales remain largely unknown. Understanding their foraging behavior and dietary preferences is crucial for assessing their ecological role within marine ecosystems and their susceptibility to changes in prey availability.

Predators

Sowerby’s beaked whales likely face predation from killer whales and large sharks, although direct evidence of predation is lacking. The presence of scars and injuries on individuals may indicate past encounters with predators, highlighting the importance of studying predator-prey dynamics to better understand the ecological pressures faced by these whales.

https://uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/sowerbys-beaked-whale/

Distribution & Movements

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales are found in the deep, cold offshore waters of the northern North Atlantic, with a higher commonality in the eastern regions. The species is known for occasional strandings along northern European coasts and the North Sea, suggesting a widespread but poorly understood distribution. Sightings have also been reported off the west coast of Ireland and in areas with complex seabed topography, indicating a preference for deep waters beyond the continental shelf edge.

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

Possibly around seven years

Gestation Period

12 months

Number of Calves

Typically single calf born
Typically, these whales give birth to a single calf during late winter to spring.

Suckling Period & Nursing

Unknown
The duration of the suckling period and nursing behavior is currently unknown for Sowerby’s beaked whales.

Lifespan

Unknown
The lifespan of Sowerby’s beaked whales remains unknown and requires further study.

Mating Strategy

Male-male combat is inferred from linear scarring patterns, suggesting a strategy for breeding dominance among males.

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Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Elusive denizens of the North Atlantic.

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

Predators

Distribution & Movements

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

Gestation Period

Number of Calves

Suckling Period & Nursing

Lifespan

Mating Strategy

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

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

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern

Common and widespread, low vulnerability.