Pilot Whales

Globicephala melas and G. macrorhynchus

The dorsal fin of the Pilot Whale is wider than it is tall. Pilot Whale photographed by Emmalee Tarry
 

Pilot Whales are toothed whales in the Subfamily Orcinae which contains the Pilot Whales, Risso's Dolphin and  Killer Whales. 

Two species are possible in New England waters the Long-finned Pilot Whale ranges more to the north and the Short-finned Pilot Whale to the south of Cape Cod. It is not possible to reliably separate the two in the field.

Also called Blackfish.

The small blow of the Pilot Whale is very small and often not seen from a distance.  It can be seen in this photo and the one below.

Identification

Small to medium sized species having a rounded head without a well-define beak. (29) .  The dorsal fin is wider than it is tall.

Like other toothed whales, it has a single blow hole.

Often swims in small pods of 5-6 animals.
 

 This photo was taken on the June 28 BBC pelagic to Atlantis Canyon by Christopher Ciccone (CNCiccone@comcast.net).  See his blog  http://www.picusblog.com/

Usually seen offshore in summer and not on Stellwagen Bank until fall. Best chance to see is to take a late fall whale watch or go on a Stellwagon Bank CBC.

Unfortunately often found beached on the shore in winter.

Photo by Dave Jones www.pbase.com/clamflats.