Identification.
North Atlantic Bottlenose Whale is the largest species of beaked whale in the European Atlantic. It is medium-sized, uniform grey to brown in colour, and has a smallish, falcate dorsal fin situated two-thirds along the back. This species can only be reliably identified by viewing the large bulbous head as the animal breaks the surface. At close range, the rounded forehead can be seen to overhang slightly the short, protruding beak. The head often becomes paler on mature individuals.

Similar Species.
Head shape separates North Atlantic Bottlenose Whale from the similar Cuvier's Beaked Whale and Minke Whale, although pod sizes of greater than two should generally eliminate Minke Whale.

Behaviour.
North Atlantic Bottlenose Whales are generally seen in pods moving slowly at the surface. Breaching has been observed occasionally.

Status and Distribution.
This is the only species of beaked whale to be hunted commercially in the North Atlantic, with the depleted population finally being afforded protection in 1977. North Atlantic Bottlenose Whales are restricted to the deep offshore waters of the northern North Atlantic.

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