How to Identify an Orca

Last Updated: November 20, 2021

Orcas (Orcinus orca)...commonly referred to as Killer Whales, are occasionally seen from land but most likely encountered on a boat, such as a whale watching tour. Identifying specific whales may be challenging, but by following a few simple steps and given the right viewing opportunity, you should be able to identify an Orca. Best of luck with your viewing experiences!

Steps

1
Take Pictures Of...
- Dorsal Fin
- Saddle Patch ^{[1]
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- Tail
2
Take Notes in Journal or Sketchbook
- If you can't get a picture, sketch or note things like approximate size, Behaviors, and markings, nicks, or scars on the dorsal fin or tail.
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3
Use Information for Identification
- Colors and Markings:Orcas have very bold black-and-white coloring. Their backs are black; chests and lower jaw are white, along with a white patch positioned above and behind the eye. There are variable gray to white-colored saddle patches behind the dorsal fin. Residents have a variety of saddle patch pigmentations and five different patterns have been noticed. Transients have only two patterns that have been noticed. ^{[2]
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- Dorsal Fin:Resident whales have long dorsal fins that are curved at the tip. Transient adult males' are elongated and very straight at the tip. ^{[2]
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  Research source} Male dorsal fins can reach 6 feet (1.8 m) and are more elongated than females.^{[2]
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  Research source} The dorsal fin on females can reach 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) long and are more curved than the male's fin, similar to the juvenile Orca.^{[2]
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- Size: (know the size of your boat beforehand to compare with whale size)
  - Males-The average length is 26–32 feet (7.9–9.8 m) and can weigh nearly 22,000 lbs.^{[2]
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  - Females-The average length is up to 28 feet (8.5 m) and they can weigh up to 16,500 lbs.^{[2]
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- Tail: Orcas have lobes on their two-lobed tail that are called flukes. Take note to the shape of the tail and if any unique patterns or marks are visible.
4
Behaviors or Unique Markings:Besides having one blowhole, they are also known for coming out of the water in a certain way that is called breaching or spyhopping. Take notice to any scars or nicks you may see in their fins or unique markings. All of these things can help properly identify which whale it is.
5
Look at Orca Types
- Five Known Types Exist (depending upon geographical location)
- Resident: dorsal fins more rounded at tip, larger pods
- Transient: dorsal fins more erect and elongated, smaller pods.
- Offshore: dorsal fins slightly rounded but tip differs slightly from Residents
- Atlantic (type A, B, C)
6
CAUTION!! Be careful not to confuse your Orca with a False Killer Whale
7
Identify an Orca
- There are several sites to help identify a specific whale using the information you've collected.
  - http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/killerwhale.htm
- Please report your sightings to the below sources. Some questions they may ask:
  - Number of animals seen?
  - Where did you see them (latitude and longitude if possible)?
  - When did you see them (date and time of day)?
  - What were they doing? Playing? Feeding, on what?
  - Were there any males (very large fin on their back)?
  - Any unusual markings? Scars?
  - Have you see killer whales in this area during winter months in previous years?
  - Did you get pictures of any killer whales?
8
Report Sightings
- BC cetacean sightings network http://wildwhales.org/sightings/
- Cascadia Research http://www.cascadiaresearch.org
9
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!

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Community Q&A

Question

What happens if a sharknado occurs?

Community Answer

A sharknado will never happen. In the movie, they used special effects to make one.
Question

Can some orcas be friendly to humans?

CanisChiroptera

Community Answer

Orcas, like other dolphins, have been known to assist, befriend and greet humans; they're very kind to us in their natural habitat. There are no recorded human fatalities due to wild orcas.