The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct …

Killer Whales are distinctively marked, with a black back, white chest and sides, and a white patch above and behind the eye. Calves are born with a yellowish or orange tint, which fades to white. Killer …

Aug 18, 2025 · Scientific studies have revealed many different populations with several distinct ecotypes (or forms) of killer whales worldwide—some of which may be different species or subspecies. They …

A wild orca pod can cover over 99 miles (160 kilometers) a day, foraging and socializing. They were give the name "killer whale" by ancient sailors who saw them preying on large whales. Orcas are still …

Knocked into the sea, the seal becomes a meal for one of the ocean's top predators—the huge orca, or killer whale. Orcas hunt everything from fish to walruses, seals, sea lions, penguins,...

Dec 2, 2025 · More than 20 species names have been applied to the killer whale, but a consensus now recognizes only O. orca. Killer whales were formerly referred to as grampuses, but that term is now a …

Learn facts about the orca’s habitat, diet, life history, and more.

They are known as Orcas, Killer Whales or – off the west coast of North America – Blackfish. They are found in all of the world’s major oceans, covering all latitudes, and inhabit both coastal waters and …

Orcas are very easy to spot in the ocean—their iconic black and white coloring gives them away. Orcas are incredibly powerful hunters and eat fish, seals, sharks and more. People began calling orcas …

Jan 28, 2025 · Orcas are often called killer whales, even though they almost never attack humans. They live in every ocean around the world, from the warm waters near the equator to the icy depths …