Blow

An audible exhalation of air through the trunk that appears to be made for the purpose of clearing the nasal passages. A Blow can be distinguished from a Snort, which is more sharp and purposeful than a blow.

References: Poole 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Foraging & Comfort Technique, Maintenance

Blow

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

A young male is on the trail of someone, he Sniffs-Ground, engages in a long bout of Flehmen and does 10 Trunk-Flick-Downs. Four of these are associated with Blows. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Blow

Context: Maintenance (1)

A calf seems to have something ticklish in his trunk and gives a couple of Blows as he interacts with a sleeping family member, resting his trunk on the other elephant’s back and attempting to Mount him. The second Blow almost sounds like a Trump, but appears to be something bothersome in his trunk rather than reacting to a social event. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)