Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen in shallow coastal waters and frequently swim into bays and estuaries around our coast. They are large animals reaching nearly 4m in length much bigger than harbour porpoises which are also common around Scottish coasts. Bottlenose are a dark grey colour with a pale or white belly which distinguishes them from the more colourful and smaller common dolphins, white-sided dolphins and white-beaked dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins are often seen in small groups of 4 or 5 and are occasionally seen in bigger schools of up to about 20. They have their calves during the summer months and the calves stay beside their mother as they suckle for their first two years. It is estimated that bottlenose dolphins live up to about 40 years and start having young when they are aged about 6-10. They are very active animals and are often noticed as they splash and leap about. Check out our pictures on the ‘Field work photos’ page for more images.