Spotlight of the Month - Orcas
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are the largest members of the dolphin family. They’re found in every ocean, from the Arctic to the tropics, and are known for their complex behavior, strong social structures, and remarkable intelligence.
Where orcas live, and how they behave, depends on the region and the type of pod. In Norway (November to January), they follow herring into the fjords. In Baja California (March to April), transient orcas appear suddenly and move quickly, often hunting in silence. In British Columbia (June to September), resident orcas feed on salmon and communicate frequently. In Patagonia (February to April), beaching behavior makes them one of the most unique predators in the marine world.
While orcas are powerful and adaptable, not all populations are doing well. The southern residents of the Pacific Northwest are critically endangered. They face declining salmon populations, increased boat noise, and toxic pollutants like PCBs. These factors disrupt their ability to hunt, communicate, and raise young. Conservation efforts are underway, but they rely on public awareness, sustainable practices, and habitat protection.
Each orca pod operates like a close-knit family, often led by a matriarch. These groups stay together for life and pass down learned behaviors across generations. Some pods specialize in hunting herring, using bubbles and herding techniques to trap fish. Others feed on marine mammals like seals or rays, and have developed strategies as precise as they are effective. In Patagonia, for example, orcas have been observed intentionally stranding themselves to catch sea lions on shore—a behavior they’ve learned how to do safely, and teach to younger pod members.
Communication is key to orca life. They rely on sound more than sight, using clicks to echolocate and calls to coordinate with one another. Each pod has its own dialect, unique to that group—something learned, not instinctive. These vocalizations help them navigate, hunt, and maintain their social bonds.