Northern Right Whale Dolphin

Identification

Size

• to a maximum of 3 m

Colour

• mostly black, with white on the belly and the tip of the beak

Dorsal fin

• no dorsal fin (the most distinctive feature of this dolphin)

Blow

• small and bushy

Surface behaviour

• when moving quickly, porpoising is very common, can reach speeds of 30km/hr
• when moving slowly, usually only expose head and create little surface disturbance
• shy, tend to avoid boats (unless travelling with other dolphin species)

Group size / social behaviour

• extremely social, usually in large groups of 200 – 2000 animals (average in BC is 40)
• can be seen associating with Pacific white-sided dolphins

Other characteristics

• has relatively small pectoral fins that are held very close to the body, giving the appearance that it has no fins at all.
• body is very sleek and streamlined

Can be confused with

• due to its lack of dorsal fin and black coloration, the northern right whale dolphin should not be confused with any other species.