Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are a highly recognizable species within the Delphinidae family, known for their striking black and white coloration. This distinctive patterning serves not only as camouflage in their marine environment but also varies slightly among different populations, hinting at the rich diversity within the species.

These apex predators are renowned for their complex social structures, often forming tight-knit, matrilineal pods that exhibit a wide range of cooperative hunting techniques and elaborate communication systems. Their behaviors and social interactions are deeply influenced by their immediate social groups and the broader ecological dynamics of their habitats, making them one of the most socially and behaviorally complex cetaceans.

Orcas’ diets are equally varied, ranging from fish and seals to larger whales, reflecting their adaptability and prowess as hunters. Their widespread presence in oceans around the globe underscores their adaptability to different marine environments, from the polar regions to tropical seas.

Quick facts

Length

Male: 9m

Female: 7,7m

Calf: 2,8m

Weight

Adults: 6,67 tons

Calves: 200 kg

Habits

Dive Time

2-10 mins

Dive Depth

<1000m

Reproduction

<50 years

Life Span:

15-18 mth

Gestation period:

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Orcas are highly social animals with a complex social structure based on matrilineal social units known as “pods”. A pod typically consists of a matriarch, her offspring, and their offspring. Pods can vary in number depending on the population and foraging strategies. Pods can range from just a few individuals to as many as 150, with an average group size of around 20 individuals. Larger groups may sometimes form for temporary social interactions, mating, or seasonal concentrations of prey.

Orca Killer Whale Azores Whale Watching 57

Dive sequence

@Georgina Cabayol

Behavior & Feeding

Socializing +

Orcas exhibit advanced intelligence and complex social behavior, engaging in a wide array of activities for socializing and hunting, including breaching, lobtailing, pectoral fin slapping, and spyhopping. These actions are not only for communication but also for strengthening group cohesion and enhancing their efficiency during hunting. Their social structure is deeply ingrained, with behaviors like milling and traveling in tight-knit pods, which underscores their highly social nature and the critical role of these interactions in their daily life.

Communication +

Communication among orcas is sophisticated, involving a repertoire of clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls. These sounds fulfill dual purposes: echolocation for navigation and hunting, and social communication within and across pods. The unique aspect of their communication lies in the distinct set of sounds each pod possesses, which are culturally transmitted and enable individual pods to recognize each other. This cultural transmission of sounds is a testament to their complex social structure and cognitive abilities.

Foraging & Diet +

Orcas are at the top of the marine food chain, feeding on a diverse range of over 140 prey species, including fish, cephalopods, seabirds, and marine mammals. Their foraging behavior and diet vary significantly across different populations, with each group exhibiting specialized hunting strategies that are passed down through generations. These strategies, such as beaching in Patagonia, wave-washing in the Antarctic, endurance exhaustion in the Strait of Gibraltar, and carousel feeding in Iceland and Norway, reflect the orcas’ adaptability and the cultural transmission of knowledge within their communities.

Predators

Orcas, or killer whales, sit atop the marine food chain as apex predators, with no natural predators once they reach adulthood. Their dominance in the marine ecosystem means they face threats primarily from humans, through factors such as pollution, ship collisions, and captivity. Young orcas, however, may be vulnerable to large sharks, but such instances are exceedingly rare due to the protective nature of orca pods. The social structure and cooperative hunting strategies of orcas make them formidable opponents for any would-be predator.

https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/species/killer-whale

Distribution & Movements

Orcas, known for their unparalleled global distribution, thrive across all oceanic environments, from the ice edges of polar regions to tropical seas. This extensive range makes them the most adaptable and widespread of all cetacean species. They are particularly abundant in colder, coastal waters where nutrient-rich upwellings provide ample food sources. The presence of orcas in diverse habitats, including open oceans, enclosed seas, and coastal areas, underscores their remarkable adaptability and the role of prey availability in shaping their movements. Their ability to exploit a wide array of environments is a testament to their ecological versatility and the complexity of their social structures, which allow them to dominate as apex predators in various marine ecosystems.

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

11 – 16 years
Females 11 to 16 years and males around 15 years. This variation reflects their complex social structures and maturity rates.

Gestation Period

15 to 18 months
Indicating a significant investment in each offspring due to the lengthy development time within the womb.

Number of Calves

One calf every 3-8 years
This low reproductive rate underscores the extensive care and upbringing required for each calf, ensuring it gains the necessary skills for survival.

Suckling Period & Nursing

At least a year
With calves relying on their mothers’ milk for nutrition while gradually learning to hunt. Nursing bonds the calf to its mother and other pod members, crucial for its social and survival skills development.

Lifespan

Up to 60 years
It varies by gender, with males living approximately 30 years (up to 60 years) and females around 50 years (up to 90 years). This longevity is a testament to their successful adaptation to marine environments and complex social behaviors.

Mating Strategy

Complex
Orcas’ mating strategies are less documented but are known to involve complex social interactions, often influenced by their hierarchical pod structures. Mating decisions may be influenced by alliances within and between pods, with a focus on maintaining genetic diversity and strengthening social bonds.

Species in the Azores

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

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Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm whales hold the title of largest predator on Earth eating mostly giant squids from the deep oceans.

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

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Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

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Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

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Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

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Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

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Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

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Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

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Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

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Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

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Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

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Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

Notable for their striking body patterns and acrobatic prowess.

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

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Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

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Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

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Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

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False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

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Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales are elusive denizens of the North Atlantic, recognized by their slender beaks and distinctive forehead bulges.

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

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Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

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Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

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Sanguinho

Frangula azorica

Sanguinho

Frangula azorica

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Gingeira Brava

Prunus azorica

Gingeira Brava

Prunus azorica

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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

View profile

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

View profile

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

View profile

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

View profile

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

View profile

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

View profile

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

View profile

Whale Watching Azores Essentials

Explore, Love, and Protect: Unveiling the essence of Whale Watching in the Azores

More information

Explore Azores

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world.

Quick facts

Length

Weight

Habits

Reproduction

Reproduction

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern <img width="21" height="26" class="graphics-design-i" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tooltip-more-info-futurismo.svg"> Common and widespread, low vulnerability.

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Dive sequence

Behavior & Feeding

Predators

Distribution & Movements

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

Gestation Period

Number of Calves

Suckling Period & Nursing

Lifespan

Mating Strategy

Species in the Azores

Sighting frequency

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Species

Departure Points

Dates

Related Scientific Articles

González, L. (2018): Spatio-temporal distribution of the order Cetacea in the Azores: relationship between biotic and abiotic variables

Cabayol, G. (2020): Photo-Identification and Temporal Distribution of Orcas off São Miguel Island

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern

Common and widespread, low vulnerability.