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: Conflict & Confrontation (1)

Big Mama's family is standing resting next to the film car. Merilyn (f0313) is standing facing the car relaxed. Then it seems as if someone may have made a sound or a movement in the vehicle that concerned her. We see her raise her head slightly and spread her ears (Ear-Spreading) and dip her head (Head-Dip) as she takes a step backward. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

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)

Head-Dip

Context: Submissive (1)

Six males are standing around estrous female, Nastya. The youngest male has Backed-Toward a larger male in a cozy fashion as if he is confident that he won't be Pushed or Tusked - as if they know one another, perhaps related. A new male arrives in the group and the young male puts his Chin-out in anticipation. He gives a couple of Head-Dips and reaches Trunk-Toward to touch the other male, again with Chin-Out. He stands with Chin-Out and Foot-Forward. Then he Backs-Toward the older male again. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Head-Dip

Context: Aggressive (1)

The female on the left is in estrus and Guarded by Emo in musth. Other males are present. Another female, with asymmetrical tusks, who is just coming into estrus comes into view from the right and threatens the estrus female first Ear-Folding and then with a Bow-Neck-Advance-Toward which includes a vigorous Head-Dip and audible Ear-Slapping against the side of the body.

The first estrous female Retreats-From and Emo tests the second estrous female Trunk-to-Genitals. She stands for him to test, but then give the first female a Bow-Neck-Charge with Ears-Folded and another vigorous Head-Dip and Ear Slapping against the body. The first female Runs-Away with her calf. A male comes to test the second female and then he goes off after the first female. The second female Rumbles. (Amboseli, Kenya)