Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic A Guide to Their Identification

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The short-finned pilot whale, a notable species in the western North Atlantic, exhibits distinct characteristics such as a thick, bulbous head and shorter flippers, reaching lengths of up to 17.5 feet for males. These whales are predominantly black with gray markings, and they typically travel in groups of 60 or more, showcasing behaviors like pitchpoling and lobtailing. Their diet mainly consists of squid and fish. Confusion may arise with pygmy killer whales and many-toothed blackfish, but they can be differentiated by specific physical traits.