Orca Whale or Killer Whale?

Killer whale (Orcinus orca) spyhopping. This particular orca is adult male L10,
who was estimated to be born in 1959 and is missing since 1998.

Resident Orcas: Matrilineal, Matriarchal Family Groups That Stay Together for Life

Pods of 20 - 40 Moms, Aunties, Sons and Daughters that are seen in their home region most months of the year (at least in some years). Residents have only been observed to eat fish. Puget Sound orcas are known to prefer Chinook salmon, an endangered species in the Pacific Northwest, though they will eat whatever fish they can find.

Transients and Offshore Orcas

Smaller pods of 3-6 animals that are not close relatives. Pod membership changes. These Orcas are "Killer Whales" perferring to eat Marine Mammals

Now THESE are Killer Whales

Orcas are Social Animals

"I am convinced that killer whales transfer group knowledge socially through teaching and apprenticeship" Christophe Guinet, Science News, Oct 28, 2000

"Vocalizing may provide an important avenue for cultural expression among the resident killer whales" John Ford, Science News, Oct 28, 2000

"Killer whales may minimize inbreeding by avoiding potential mates who use a dialect similar to their own." Science News, Oct 28, 2000