The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct pigmentation; being mostly black on top, white on the bottom and having recognizable white eye patches.
More than 20 species names have been applied to the killer whale, but a consensus now recognizes only O. orca. Killer whales were formerly referred to as grampuses, but that term is now a synonym for Risso’s dolphin.
Orcas are highly intelligent, social mammals that have long been a part of marine park entertainment, performing shows for audiences. However, it's become increasingly clear that orcas do not...
A wild orca pod can cover over 99 miles (160 kilometers) a day, foraging and socializing. They were give the name "killer whale" by ancient sailors who saw them preying on large whales. Orcas are still hunted in some countries, such as Greenland. Different kinds of orcas are called "ecotypes".
Orcas inhabit all oceans of the world but are most numerous in the Arctic, the Antarctic and areas in nutrient-rich cold water upwellings. They have been sighted along the shores of Washington, Oregon, California, Baja California, and along the eastern coast of the United States.
They are known as Orcas, Killer Whales or – off the west coast of North America – Blackfish. They are found in all of the world’s major oceans, covering all latitudes, and inhabit both coastal waters and open oceans. Each population of orcas, while similar in appearance, has vastly different habits.
The Killer Whale, or Orca, is a creature of immense power, beauty, and complexity. From its ancient lineage to its sophisticated social structures and diverse hunting strategies, every aspect of its life speaks to a remarkable evolutionary success story.
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