Lagenorhynchus albirostris
White-beaked dolphin
Length: 1.2-1.6m/4.0-5.3ft (newborn); 2.5-2.7 (3.1)m/8.2/8.9 (10.2)ft (adult)
Head and Beak: The white-beaked dolphin has a sloping head with a short, thick, often white beak.
Fin and Markings: Large, often erect, strongly sickle-shaped dorsal fin, centrally placed. Black on back around base of fin, pale grey or white area on upper flanks in front of fin, and, behind fin, over back and tail stock.
White-beaked dolphin
ID: White-beaked dolphins are less agile than common and striped dolphins but commonly breach and bow-ride; tall curved fin; black , with white on flanks and over back behind fin.
White-beaked dolphin distribution map
Status and Distribution: Common in Northern European continental shelf seas from Iceland and Norway south to Ireland and Southwest England, including the northern and central North Sea. The white-beaked dolphin is recorded all months of the year but in UK waters, with peak numbers in August.
Media:
Download White-Beaked Dolphin sounds
