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Gray's Beaked Whale

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