Azores, Portugal – New research has captured the first known footage of sperm whales headbutting one another, confirming historical accounts of the species striking objects and even ships. The behavior, long hypothesized but never systematically documented, was filmed using drones between 2020 and 2022 in the Azores and Balearic Islands.

The study shows sub-adult whales engaging in headbutting, challenging previous assumptions that only large males exhibited this behavior. Researchers noted the activity’s potential impact on social dynamics and group cohesion among whales.

Lead author Dr Alec Burslem said, “It was really exciting to observe this behaviour, which we knew had been hypothesised for such a long time, but not yet documented and described systematically.”

Historical whaling records describe sperm whales using their heads as powerful weapons. The 1820 sinking of the Essex, a 27-meter whaleship, is the most famous example and inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. First mate Owen Chase recalled, “I turned around and saw him about one hundred rods directly ahead of us, coming down with twice his ordinary speed… and again struck the ship.” Similar attacks were reported against the Ann Alexander and Kathleen.

The use of drones now allows researchers to observe near-surface behaviors in unprecedented detail. Dr Burslem added, “It’s exciting to think about what as-yet unseen behaviours we may soon uncover, as well how more headbutting observations may help us to shed light on the functions the behaviour may serve.”

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