
Photo: By Jörg Mazur - Author, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143502141
Least Concern
Gray's Beaked Whale
M. grayi
About This Species
One of the better-known beaked whales, reaching 5.5-6.0m in length and weighing around 1,100kg. Distinctive for having a very long, pointed white beak and being fairly gregarious, often stranding in groups (up to 28 individuals recorded). Found in Southern Hemisphere waters between 30-45°S, typically diving to depths of 2,000m. Feeds primarily on squid and is the most commonly stranded beaked whale in New Zealand.
Size
5.5-6.0m
Weight
1.1 tons