Species Identification Guide

White-Beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)

White-Beaked Dolphin
view bigger version

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.

ID:
White-Beaked Dolphins are less agile than common & striped dolphins but commonly breach & bow-ride; tall curved fin; black, with white on flanks, and over back behind fin.

Distribution map for White-Beaked Dolphin
Map Key

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.
View detailed distribution maps

White-Beaked Dolphin
view bigger version

Media
Download White-Beaked Dolphin movie
Download White-Beaked Dolphin sounds

Back to the top