Stacey, R.W. Larger pods may have several adult males. Off the coast of Norway, killer whales feed mainly on herring and other schooling fish. [123] The Exxon Valdez oil spill adversely affected killer whales in Prince William Sound and Alaska's Kenai Fjords region. Social Behavior; The social structure of the killer whale is quite complex and stable. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other species of dolphin. The hunting tactics in which all members’ participation is essential are fundamental to their survival. With their striking black and white markings and prevalence at marine parks, the killer whale, also known as the orca or Orcinus orca, is probably one of the most easily-recognized cetacean species.The largest of the dolphin species, orcas live in oceans and seas around the world and can grow to 32 feet long and weigh up to six tons.

The killer whale, or orca (Orcinus orca), is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Transient killer whale (Orcinus orca) harassment, predation, and "surplus killing" of marine birds in British Columbia Abstract of a conference presentation by P.J. Social structure and behavior of killer whales. killer whale ecology and behavior The base of the killer whale's social structure is the matrilineal unit including adult female and her offspring of different sexes. The killer whale (Orcinus orca), is one of the most famous cetaceans on the planet. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. A typical small pod consists of an adult male with several adult females and their young. Their prey is determined by what is available in their home ranges but they also seek out areas of seasonal abundance such as seal pupping sites. Some matrilineal units, being in remote relationship and spending together most part of the time, form a pod, consisting from 2 to 40 - 50 animals. Killer whales are popular with whale watchers, which may stress the whales and alter their behavior, particularly if boats approach too closely or block their line of travel. Behaviour. [183] The Exxon Valdez oil spill adversely affected killer whales in Prince William Sound and Alaska's Kenai Fjords region.

Download Adobe PDF copy Foraging and feeding behavior of transient killer whales. Nevertheless, it possesses some fascinating traits and behaviors that we can observe in its hunting strategies. Killer Whale Social Structure and Behavior. To understand how predation risk from killer whales affects prey behavior, Argos tracking tags were simultaneously deployed on killer whales and narwhal in Admiralty Inlet on the northern-most end of Baffin Island in 2009. Orcas (killer whales) live in closely-knit family groups or pods of between 5 and 30 members. Baird and A.B. In Antarctic waters, killer whales eat minke whales, seals, or Antarctic toothfish.