Southeast Alaska is well known as a feeding ground for orcas, best
known of the killer whales. They are less frequently seen by expeditionists
than humpback whales, however. We were treated to an extended observation
in the Inian Isles. Orcas are much smaller whales than humpbacks. Neverthless,
they feed on much larger prey -- usually fish.
Coloration
Orcas are black with several prominent white patches.
Hunters
They hunt in tightly-knit groups, or pods. Young and old participate
in the hunt.
To improve the efficiency of the hunt orca pods corral whole schools
of fish. The females organize the hunt.
How to tell females from males? Adult males are larger than adult females
but the pod contains all sizes.
Solution: Females have smaller fins with a curved rear-edge. Males
have proportionally larger fins with a straight rear edge.
