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Orca

Orcinus orca

Description:

Although also known as the killer whale, it is actually the largest species of dolphin. Very intelligent creatures that live in groups (pods). There are two kinds of orca - those that feed exclusively on fish, and those that feed exclusively on mammals. I spoke to a whale expert who told me that while this holds true in the Pacific, there is a theory that in the Atlantic, the orcas may actually feed on both depending on availability.

Habitat:

Found in all oceans and some seas, prefer higher latitudes and coastal areas

Notes:

This pod of orcas was spotted very shortly after we crossed the Arctic circle, so were my first polar wildlife spotting. They didn't breach so were difficult to photograph. There were 2 calves in the pod, I think you can see a small baby fin in the "group" photo!

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8 Comments

NeilDazet
NeilDazet 11 years ago

These are so great Laura! Your arctic adventures must have been a thrill. Thank you for sharing these neat experiences with us!

Maria dB
Maria dB 11 years ago

nice one!

MarcoSepulvedaLeón
MarcoSepulvedaLeón 11 years ago

a female or a young male?

Elsa
Elsa 11 years ago

Fantastic!!! I have to say I am pretty jealous!!!

ASH247
ASH247 11 years ago

Great job! I love orcas, and your picture is fab!

LauraMaria
LauraMaria 11 years ago

Thanks both, it was an exciting spotting for me!

Atul
Atul 11 years ago

fab spotting and nice piece of info!

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 11 years ago

Wow great find!
Congratulations what a wonderful first polar spot !

LauraMaria
Spotted by
LauraMaria

Spotted on Jun 10, 2012
Submitted on Jul 11, 2012

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