Family Delphinidae (Dolphins)

IDENTIFICATION
The Short-finned Pilot Whale (also known as the Pacific Pilot Whale) is easily identified by its thick, bulbous head. It is all black except for two light-grey patches - a "saddle" behind the dorsal fin, and an area on the chest. The Short-finned Pilot Whale has a low profile; its dorsal fin, which is set far forward on the body, curves backwards on a long base. This dolphin has sickle-shaped flippers and a thick tail stock (just in front of the flukes) which it often shows above water when diving. Adult males grow to a length of approximately 6.7 metres, and females are somewhat smaller.

MEALS, MANNERS AND MIGRATION
Short-finned Pilot Whales travel in pods ranging from a few to several hundred, and are sometimes accompanied by groups of other dolphins. Short-finned Pilot Whales eat squid, primarily, and they follow the migration of squid to near-shore spawning areas. Most of the rest of the year they live offshore.

STATUS
COSEWIC has designated the Short-finned Pilot Whale as not at risk in Canada. This dolphin is not a common sight in British Columbia waters, which are near the northern limit of its range. This has likely always been the case, and the Short-finned Pilot Whale is abundant farther south in warmer waters.

DISTRIBUTION
Worldwide in tropical and warm temperate waters where they generally remain offshore. They are not common north of 40' North. Movements north of this latitude are probably related to unusual warm water currents.