New England Seabirds

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Identification
The Risso's Dolphin has a beakless head and a tall falcate dorsal fin that is centrally located on the back. The belly is white and the back gray.   The body lightens with age and is often highly scarred.  In adults the scarring may conceal the distinct border between the white belly and gray back.  Flippers are  sickle shaped. In a close view, you can observe a diagnostic crease in the forehead between the two eyes.

Behavior
Travels in pods of 3 or more animals sometimes larger.  Leaps from the water.  Spyhops ( pushes head from the water).  Seldom rides the bow  wave of a moving boat.

This picture taken by Glenn Tepke off the coast of California and used with his permission shows the beakless head and scarring of the body of one individual and the tall dark dorsal fin of another. Notice the lack of a beak and the sickle-shaped flippers.

Two Risso's Dolphins photographed  by Scott Spangenberg in New England waters.