Pilot Whales or False Killer Whales?

[Halcyon Yachts]

I'm not sure, but there were LOADS of them!

Hopefully one of the experts on here can enlighten me?

This video was filmed and edited by one of our yacht delivery crew during a Trans-Atlantic earlier this year. The trip started from the US (east coast), but he only joined in Bermuda. A great little film I thought! I hope you enjoy it.

Pete

 

[armchairsailor]

False killer info:

Cute little guys, who become not so little!

Pilot whale info Very common in northern atlantic

WDC says the following on pilots: "As expected, they are most often confused with short-finned pilot whales but can also be confused with killer and false killer whales. They are easily distinguished from these last two species by the distinct white markings and fin shapes as well as their behaviour."

It would probably help to know what area of the Atlantic the footage was filmed: if it was near to Bermuda, then they could be false killers, otherwise more likely to be pilots. MingMing has seen them many times in his adventures.

 

[Dipper]

Beautiful film. Thank you.

 

[Moonbeam]

I'm no expert on these... but we spotted two (looked exactly like those in your film) while sailing just off the coast between Plymouth and Salcombe a couple of weeks ago. I immediately knew they were not dolphins due to their size (I was taken aback, mesmerized and just a little scared at just how big they were in comparison to our 29ft boat). We had a harbour guide to Salcombe Harbour from last years visit and they listed local sea creatures with pictures... and this seemed to confirm they were long finned pilot whales.... although further research at home revealed the pilot whale is actually in the dolphin family, not a whale at all. You, of course, have spotted a humback this summer off Dartmouth! Now that IS a whale.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

It would probably help to know what area of the Atlantic the footage was filmed: if it was near to Bermuda, then they could be false killers, otherwise more likely to be pilots. MingMing has seen them many times in his adventures.

It was filmed a fair way away from Bermuda - I think they are Pilot Whales. I have seen lots before, but never this many in one place!

Pete

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Definitely not Killer whales; Killers have very distinctive white markings. They look like Pilot whales to me, with the somewhat bulging forehead.

 

[cmogs]

Hi pete, great filming but what is the music please ?

 

[Way]

Great video. Really superb...

Track is Jose Gonzalez...Staying Alive. Listening to it on Spotify right this moment if you use it.

 

[bignick]

.... although further research at home revealed the pilot whale is actually in the dolphin family, not a whale at all.

So is an orca.

Great film btw.

 

[Gerry]

IMHO definitely pilot whales.