Identification.
Although still only rarely sighted at sea, Sowerby's Beaked Whale is known from a number of photographs and close encounters. It is a small, slim whale, reminiscent in shape to an elongated dolphin. The dorsal fin is small, falcate and situated two-thirds of the way between the head and the tail. The upper surface is uniformly brown to grey, becoming paler towards the belly, and the eyes are often encircled by a dark patch. As with all beaked whales, identification at sea based on current knowledge, is dependent upon observation of the head. The rounded forehead tapes to a slender beak, the length of which, although variable, is longer than the other beaked whales. The beak often breaks the water at a steep angle on surfacing and the observer must concentrate on this feature in an attempt to clinch identification. The only known diagnostic feature for this species at sea is the two flattened teeth that protrude mid-way along the lower jaw in adult males.

Similar Species.
Sowerby's Beaked Whale is almost identical in size and shape to Gervais', True's and Blainville's Beaked Whales and there is considerable overlap in colouration.

Behaviour.
Sowerby's Beaked Whales are believed to be unobtrusive in their behaviour and generally shy of boats. However, breaching has been recorded on several occasions.

Status and Distribution.
Sowerby's Beaked Whale is restricted to the northern North Atlantic, with the majority of sightings being at latitudes between the Canary Islands and the Arctic Circle. The Bay of Biscay is considered to be towards the southernmost limit of the species' range. The status of Sowerby's Beaked Whale in the European Atlantic remains poorly known, but these few records suggest that it is the most frequently occurring Mesoplodon species in the region.

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