Short-Beaked Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphis
What do they look like?
These dolphins have dark backs and white undersides. They are most easily recognised by the hourglass-shaped patch on their sides, which is yellow in front of their dorsal fins and light grey towards the tail. They are similar to long beaked dolphins but can be identified for their more rounded heads and shorter beaks. Their dorsal fins are triangular and tall with a slight backwards curve. Common dolphins are also very acrobatic, often leaping fully out of the water, with top swimming speeds of 15 miles per hour or more.
Where can I see them in Scotland?
Though the short beaked dolphins are in fact an offshore species, they are commonly found close to coastal shores. Interestingly, sightings have become more common around the Scottish coast, probably as a result of climate change. As the waters around Scotland become warmer, these dolphins have moved further north than recorded in years past. They can be seen throughout the UK’s seas but are most frequently spotted off the west coast, the coast of Aberdeenshire and in the outer Moray Firth.
Want to find out more about cetaceans in Scotland?
Visit the Whale and Dolphin Conservation website or the Sea Watch Foundation website for more information.