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Interesting Facts about Orcas
Orcas, also known as Killer Whales, are
the largest type of dolphin. Orcas are only endangered by
human beings, as no other sea creature could possibly be a
threat toan Orca. Orcas are predators that will even
attack other types of whales. Even with the danger that
they represent, to both humans and other sea life, they
are still considered to be one of the most majestic
creatures in the ocean, and millions of people travel a
long way every year, in hopes of getting a glimpse of them
- from a safe distance.
Interesting Facts about
Orcas
Even though Orcas are often called Killer Whales, they
actually belong to the dolphin family. Since Orcas are
between 27 and 33 feet long, and weigh between 8,000 and
12,000 pounds when they are fully grown, with the male
Orcas being larger than the females, they are indeed the
largest dolphins in existence. The male Orca can live as
long as 60 years, while the females can live to be as old
as 90.
Orcas are black, with patches of white on their skin.
Their heads are round, and they have very distinctive
beaks.
Interesting Facts about Orcas
Orcas have a large sickle shaped dorsal
fin, and large flippers that are typical of all dolphins.
The dorsal fin is located on the top of the Orcas back,
and the males dorsal fin can be up to six feet tall, while
the females is only about four feet tall. Orcas can travel
at speeds of 30 miles per hour. Orcas live in pods. The
pods are small, and operate just as close families do.
These pods are made up of 6 to 40 Orcas, and pods stay
together throughout their entire lives. Members of the
pods work together to protect the young, sick and injured.
Interesting Facts about Orcas
Orcas breed from winter to early spring near the surface
of warm waters. The gestation period is from 16 - 17
months. The babies, called calves, are born between
October and March. The calves are able to swim within
thirty minutes of being born, and weigh up to 400 pounds.
They are typically 6 to 8 feet long at birth. In most
cases, each female only gives birth to one calf. Twins are
rare. The calf usually stays with its mother for a year,
and sometimes longer.
Interesting Facts about Orcas
The members of the pods hunt together, and work together
to catch their prey. They survive on a diet of fish,
squid, sharks, whales, seals, turtles, octopus, penguins,
and sea gulls. Their teeth are typically about 3 inches
long, and 1 inch in diameter. An average Orca eats an
estimated 550 pounds of food each day or more. While Orcas
do not migrate, they may travel hundreds of miles in order
to catch seasonal prey.
Interesting Facts about Orcas
Orcas have one blow hole, and they breathe air in above
the surface of the water through their blow hole, which is
located on top of their heads, above their eyes. Orcas are
very vocal. They make a variety of sounds including
clicks, whistles, and even screams. These sounds are used
to communicate with each other when hunting prey, and for
mating purposes. Each individual pod even has its own
accent, which makes it possible for members to recognize
each other.
Orcas can be found in tropical waters, as well as arctic
waters. Pods can be found in coastal waters, as well as
deep waters. Orcas have been found in every ocean in the
world, so they are not habitats of any particular climate
or area - other than salt water.
This Information is provided free by Extreme Nature Tours
Interesting Facts about Orcas
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