Head-Dip

A single slight dipping and raising movement of the head with Ears-Spread, typically combined with reaching to Touch-Ground with the trunk. This display is observed in all age/sex groups is typically seen when an elephant is confronting a threat or during social play. In a more pronounced version that Douglas-Hamilton 1972 called a Head-Jerk or Head-Toss the head is first lowered and then pulled up sharply so that the tusks describe a wide arc and the elephant Stands-Tall. This display is often observed as elephants crash through bushes to make a dramatic display to an adversary or predator. It is observed in all age/sex groups and often seen during play when Bush-Bashing.

References: Kühme 1961; Kühme 1963; Douglas-Hamilton 1972 ch 6; Estes 1991; Douglas-Hamilton & Douglas-Hamilton 1992; Ben-Shahar 1999; O’Connell-Rodwell et al 2011 [ [Head-Jerk, Head-Toss, Head Thrust]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Conflict & Confrontation, Social Play

Head-Dip

Context: Social-Play (1)

Juvenile male pretending to be tough - playfully - Foot-Scuffing, Ear-Spreading, Bush-Bashing and Pirouetting all to the car. He does a Head-Dip as he Pirouettes. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Head-Dip

Context: Social-Play (2)

During a long bout of social play involving two young male calves, they begin a round of Bush-Bashing - crashing into, through and out of the bushes, occasionally pausing to peer out while Standing-Tall. During one of these pauses one of the youngsters exhibits a Head-Dip. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Head-Dip

Context: Social-Play (3)

Two little males have been playing. One pauses to bite off a morsel of food, when the other comes over and and playfully sniffs his bum. He whirls around, spreads his ears (Ear-Spreading) and dips his head down and up. You can hear a faint complaining sound as the other disturbs him. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)