Andrew’s beaked whale

What do Andrews' beaked whales look like? 

Andrews’ beaked whales strongly resemble Hubbs’ beaked whales. So much so that even scientists have been confused. Although they are now understood to be separate species, they both have enough cranial similarities to have led researchers to wonder if Hubbs’ beaked whales were in fact a subspecies of Andrews’.

One mystery solved, the next questions revolve around what distinguishing features Andrews’ beaked whales have. Based on strandings, we know that these whales grow to just under 5 metres in length, with the females being generally larger than the males. They have short, compact beaks with an arched mouthline, and their heads may have light markings on the side (more prominent in males). Both females and males have small, dainty dorsal fins which can be either rounded or pointed.

Varying between the sexes, Andrews’ beaked whales have gorgeous colourings. Darker bodied, the males sport dark blue and black tones with a paler saddle-like marking sat between the blowhole and the dorsal fin. Like other species, the males are also often veined with white scars – signs of past tussles with other males. An iridescent, slate-y grey, females have lighter underbellies and sides.

One of their most interesting physical characteristics are their teeth. In male Andrews’ beaked whales, the teeth are wide and flat on the lower jaw and protrude over the beak. In adult males, these teeth can sometimes be visible jutting out from their mouths, a slightly humorous, and certainly charming, trait.

What’s life like for Andrews’ beaked whales?

Andrews’ beaked whales have never been seen alive in the wild. This means that we know very little about their behaviour and relationships.

What do Andrews' beaked whales eat?

Based upon the stomach contents of stranded whales though, we do know that they have a specialised diet, feeding mainly on deep-water squid.

Where do Andrews' beaked whales live?

Half of all stranded Andrews’ beaked whales have been found in New Zealand. Others have also washed up on Australia’ southern coast (including Tasmania), the Falkland Islands and Argentina. From this, it is believed that they have a circumpolar distribution and prefer sticking to the colder waters of the southern hemisphere.

We don’t know much about the threats to their species, as they have never been hunted or reported as entangled in fishing nets. Like many species, they are thought to be negatively affected by noise pollution and climate change.