Head-Waggling

Waggling of the head from side to side. This behaviour is observed during Social Play as a component of Solicit-Play and Sparring-Initiation and is associated with Lone and Object Play when an elephant considers an object of play. Head-Waggling may also follow a period of Contemplation, when the behavior appears to be an outward expression of internal thoughts and feelings. Head-Waggling may be observed in all age/sex groups, though most often in younger individuals.

References: Poole 1996:150, 151, 153, 155, 156; Poole 1998a; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2004; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Attentive, Lone & Object Play, Social Play

Head-Waggling

Context: Attentive (1)

A large group of elephants standing around dusting and interacting. A calf is standing in the middle of the group and appears to be in her own thoughts. She Head-Waggles and steps down a little bank and moves on with the group. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Head-Waggling

Context: Attentive (2)

Little E is 15 days old. He and his mother walk toward the car. Allomother Lorato comes crashing out of the bushes not to be left behind. As she approaches she Head-Waggles as if to herself and then touches Little E Trunk-to-Mouth and Trunk-to-Genitals. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Head-Waggling

Context: Attentive (3)

A less than one year calf is following its mother. He appears to be in a contemplative state - thinking about something - as he is Trunk-Sucking and Head-Waggling to himself and adopts a bit of an Exaggerated-Walk. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Head-Waggling

Context: Attentive (4)

An 18 month old calf joins its family to Drink. The calf Head-Waggles as if lost in its own playful thoughts. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Head-Waggling

Context: Attentive (5)

Pascal has just arrived in the ND family where Nastya is in estrus. He is walking toward her when another juvenile female, Ndebele, stops and turns to greet him Trunk-to-Mouth. He reciprocates. She seems excited by her greeting and Head-Waggles - almost a Head-Shake and they continue on their way. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Head-Waggling

Context: Attentive (6)

This male, together with a play-mate, has just spent 9 minutes standing within 2 meters of our car, studying us and playing with a rock. Standing a bit further away he seems to continue his study of us and consider his experience. He Head-Waggles and Walks-Away toward the Resting group he is with. It is difficult to know which context to put this in but he does appear to be contemplativ. (Amboseli, Kenya)