Cuvier’s beaked whale
Ziphius cavirostris
biology
Newborn Cuvier’s beaked whales are between 2 and 3 m long. Adults reach lengths of 5.5 m to 7 m and weigh between 2 and 3 tonnes, with females being slightly larger than males. Their lifespan is estimated to reach at least 60 years.
Cuvier’s beaked whales possess a robust body and a very characteristic head shape, often described as resembling a "goose beak" (hence its alternative name, Goose-beaked whale). The melon slopes steeply but smoothly onto a small, indistinct beak. Adult males are easily recognized by their distinctive white head, which can extend onto their upper back; this white area is often scarred by social interactions. Mature males have two small teeth at the very tip of the lower jaw that point forward and are visible even when the mouth is closed. The dorsal fin is small, falcate, and set far back.
They are the world record holders for diving mammals, reaching depths of 2,992 m and staying submerged for up to 137 minutes. Feeding primarily on deep-water squid and occasionally fish, they are usually found alone or in small groups of up to 7 individuals. Unfortunately, this species is historically the most frequently stranded beaked whale worldwide.
Cuvier’s beaked whales possess a robust body and a very characteristic head shape, often described as resembling a "goose beak" (hence its alternative name, Goose-beaked whale). The melon slopes steeply but smoothly onto a small, indistinct beak. Adult males are easily recognized by their distinctive white head, which can extend onto their upper back; this white area is often scarred by social interactions. Mature males have two small teeth at the very tip of the lower jaw that point forward and are visible even when the mouth is closed. The dorsal fin is small, falcate, and set far back.
They are the world record holders for diving mammals, reaching depths of 2,992 m and staying submerged for up to 137 minutes. Feeding primarily on deep-water squid and occasionally fish, they are usually found alone or in small groups of up to 7 individuals. Unfortunately, this species is historically the most frequently stranded beaked whale worldwide.
observation
Cuvier’s beaked whales have the widest distribution of all beaked whales, ranging from tropical to cool temperate waters, including the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer specific habitats such as deep oceanic slopes and submarine canyons with steep gradients.
Identification Challenges: At a distance, they can be confused with other beaked whales, but Cuvier’s is generally larger and lacks a long, well-defined beak. While they may resemble Northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus), the latter is significantly larger and has a much more bulbous forehead and a different respiratory rhythm. Importantly, Cuvier’s beaked whales are known to be highly sensitive to active military sonar, which has been linked to atypical mass strandings of the species.
The Espaço Talassa team has recorded this species annually since 1996. We typically have 1 to 7 sightings per season, primarily between June and October. Sightings peak in August and September, likely coinciding with the highest water temperatures in the archipelago.
Identification Challenges: At a distance, they can be confused with other beaked whales, but Cuvier’s is generally larger and lacks a long, well-defined beak. While they may resemble Northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus), the latter is significantly larger and has a much more bulbous forehead and a different respiratory rhythm. Importantly, Cuvier’s beaked whales are known to be highly sensitive to active military sonar, which has been linked to atypical mass strandings of the species.
The Espaço Talassa team has recorded this species annually since 1996. We typically have 1 to 7 sightings per season, primarily between June and October. Sightings peak in August and September, likely coinciding with the highest water temperatures in the archipelago.
names
PT: Baleia-de-bico-de-cuvier (ou Zífio-de-cuvier)
ENG: Cuvier’s beaked whale (or Goose-beaked whale)
FR: Baleine à bec de Cuvier
DE: Cuvier-Schnabelwal
IT: Zifio (ou Zifio di Cuvier)
ESP: Zifio de Cuvier
NL: Dolfijn van Cuvier
ENG: Cuvier’s beaked whale (or Goose-beaked whale)
FR: Baleine à bec de Cuvier
DE: Cuvier-Schnabelwal
IT: Zifio (ou Zifio di Cuvier)
ESP: Zifio de Cuvier
NL: Dolfijn van Cuvier
Scientific name
Ziphius cavirostris
Discovery
Cuvier, 1823