Northern bottlenose whale
Hyperoodon ampullatus
biology
Newborn Northern bottlenose whales are approximately 3 m to 3.5 m long. This species shows marked sexual dimorphism: females typically reach 8.7 m in length (weighing about 5.8 tonnes), while males are larger, reaching up to 9.8 m and weighing 7.5 tonnes. Their lifespan is estimated to be at least 37 years, though many researchers believe they can live significantly longer.
The body is robust and cylindrical, with a very pronounced, dolphin-like beak. Their most striking feature is the huge, bulbous forehead (melon), which in adult males becomes almost vertical and flat at the front. Coloration is dark or brownish-grey on the back and lighter on the belly, often becoming paler with age and covered in scars. Mature males possess two small teeth at the tip of the lower jaw, which are not always visible even when the mouth is closed. The dorsal fin is small (about 30 cm) and falcate, positioned two-thirds of the way down the back.
While primarily hunters of deep-water squid, they also consume fish, sea cucumbers, and crustaceans. An unusual and famous trait of this species is its extreme curiosity: they are often attracted to the sound of stationary or slow-moving vessels (even approaching ships' generators). Tragically, this behavior, combined with their refusal to abandon injured pod members, led to their extreme vulnerability to whaling until their protection in 1977.
The body is robust and cylindrical, with a very pronounced, dolphin-like beak. Their most striking feature is the huge, bulbous forehead (melon), which in adult males becomes almost vertical and flat at the front. Coloration is dark or brownish-grey on the back and lighter on the belly, often becoming paler with age and covered in scars. Mature males possess two small teeth at the tip of the lower jaw, which are not always visible even when the mouth is closed. The dorsal fin is small (about 30 cm) and falcate, positioned two-thirds of the way down the back.
While primarily hunters of deep-water squid, they also consume fish, sea cucumbers, and crustaceans. An unusual and famous trait of this species is its extreme curiosity: they are often attracted to the sound of stationary or slow-moving vessels (even approaching ships' generators). Tragically, this behavior, combined with their refusal to abandon injured pod members, led to their extreme vulnerability to whaling until their protection in 1977.
observation
The Northern bottlenose whale is found exclusively in the North Atlantic, typically in subarctic and cold temperate waters. The Azores and the Iberian Peninsula represent the southern limit of their range. They are strictly a deep-water species, though disoriented "vagrants" have historically been found in shallow waters, such as the famous 2006 case in the River Thames.
Identification Tips: As the largest beaked whale in the North Atlantic, they are difficult to confuse with others, though older Cuvier’s beaked whales may also have pale heads. However, the Bottlenose's distinct bulbous forehead and long, well-defined beak are clear identifiers.
In the Azores, they are seasonal summer visitors. A 2026 study (Santos et al.) based on over 1,500 whale-watching trips confirmed that 93% of sightings occur in the summer, primarily in July and August. They often remain in the area for several days or weeks to feed and socialize. 2009 was an exceptional year for the Espaço Talassa team, with 34 recorded encounters.
Identification Tips: As the largest beaked whale in the North Atlantic, they are difficult to confuse with others, though older Cuvier’s beaked whales may also have pale heads. However, the Bottlenose's distinct bulbous forehead and long, well-defined beak are clear identifiers.
In the Azores, they are seasonal summer visitors. A 2026 study (Santos et al.) based on over 1,500 whale-watching trips confirmed that 93% of sightings occur in the summer, primarily in July and August. They often remain in the area for several days or weeks to feed and socialize. 2009 was an exceptional year for the Espaço Talassa team, with 34 recorded encounters.
names
PT: Baleia-de-bico-comum-do-norte (ou Botinhoso)
AZORES: Grampa
ENG: Northern bottlenose whale
FR: Hypéroodon boréal
DE: Nördlicher Entenwal
IT: Iperodonte boreale
ESP: Zifio calderón boreal
NL: Noordelijke butskop
AZORES: Grampa
ENG: Northern bottlenose whale
FR: Hypéroodon boréal
DE: Nördlicher Entenwal
IT: Iperodonte boreale
ESP: Zifio calderón boreal
NL: Noordelijke butskop
Scientific name
Hyperoodon ampullatus
Discovery
Forster, 1770