Pilot Whale
Globicephala
IUCN: Least ConcernAbout Pilot Whale
Pilot whales are highly social, deep-diving whales known for their bulbous foreheads and strong family bonds. Their name comes from the belief that pods follow a leader or 'pilot.' They're among the species most commonly involved in mass strandings.
There are two species of pilot whales: long-finned (northern waters) and short-finned (tropical/subtropical waters). Despite their name, pilot whales are actually large members of the dolphin family. They're known for their strong social bonds and tight-knit family groups.
🌊 Habitat
Long-finned pilot whales inhabit cold temperate waters of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. Short-finned pilot whales prefer warmer tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Both species are found in deep offshore waters.
🦐 Diet & Feeding
Pilot whales primarily hunt squid, diving to depths of 600-1,000 meters. They also eat fish such as mackerel, herring, and cod. Hunting typically occurs at night when prey migrates closer to the surface.
🐋 Behavior
Pilot whales live in stable, matrilineal pods of 10-30 individuals, though groups of hundreds can form. They're highly vocal and use echolocation for hunting. Pilot whales are known for strong social bonds—members rarely leave their natal pod.
👶 Reproduction
Females give birth to a single calf after a 12-15 month gestation. Calves nurse for 3-6 years. Like orcas, female pilot whales experience menopause and can live for decades after their reproductive years, helping to care for younger relatives.
🛡️ Conservation Status
Pilot whales are listed as Least Concern but face threats from drive hunts (in the Faroe Islands and Japan), bycatch, pollution, and climate change. They're particularly susceptible to mass strandings, possibly due to their strong social bonds.
Fun Facts About Pilot Whale
Pilot whales are one of the few species besides humans and orcas to experience menopause
They're among the most commonly mass-stranded whales, possibly due to strong social bonds
Despite being called whales, pilot whales are actually large dolphins
They can dive to over 1,000 meters deep while hunting squid
Pilot whale pods have distinct dialects that differ between groups