Killer Whales (Orcas)

The Killer Whale or Orca (scientific name: Orcinus Orca) is the largest member of the dolphin family. These toothed marine mammals are marked with a black back, white chest and sides, and a white patch above and behind the eye.

Male orcas grow to be approximately 20-26 feet (6-8 m) long and weigh more than 8,000-12,000 pounds (3.600-5.400 kg). The female orca is smaller, ranging from 16-23 feet (5-7 m) and weighing about 6,000-8,000 pounds (2.800-3.600 kg).

The life expectancy of a male orca is approximately 30-50 years while the female orca’s life span will typically be 50-80 years.

Killer Whales are commonly found in all oceans and most seas, but they prefer cooler temperate and polar regions. Sometimes spotted in deep water, they generally prefer coastal areas. The Killer Whale is most common in the Arctic and Antarctic and are often spotted off the west coast of the United States and Canada.

Sometimes called the wolves of the sea because they hunt like packs, the Killer Whale has a diet that can consist of fish, birds, squid, sharks, seals, and whales among other things. Orca pods will often work together as a team to force their prey into one area and take turns feeding.

These whales are very social and travel in small and large groups called pods. The pods have lifelong family bonds and establish a complex social structure that is led by females. They are thought to vocalize with a complex form of communication and have different dialects from one pod to another.

On the West Coast of the United States and Canada, excellent whale watching can be found in Alaska (summer), British Columbia, and the San Juan Islands/Puget Sound in Washington, where pods of orca are sometimes visible from shore.

Amazing Killer Whale Video

A rare moment caught on video of a killer whale giving birth (orca newborn)