What do Orcas eat?
The nickname “killer whale” is appropriate for these magnificent creatures, although they aren’t actually whales. Orcas are part of the dolphin family, and some speculate that the nickname was actually intended to be “whale killers,” because orcas will prey on marine mammals. Let’s take a closer look at a typical diet for orcas and how they approach feeding in the wild.
Orcas’ Eating Patterns and Behavior
Orcas have one of the most diverse diets in the sea, and different populations of orcas across the world actually have very different, specialized diets that align with the local marine life populations.
There are two main types of orcas that have completely different feeding habits and appetites: transient orcas and resident orcas. (The third type, offshore orcas, just represents orcas that reside further off the coastline than transient or resident orcas.)
Transient orcas align more closely with the “killer whale” title. They live on pods of three to seven orcas at a time, and they prefer to feed on large marine mammals like sea lions. Worldwide, orcas have been reported to prey on more than 140 total species of animals, including bony fish, sharks, rays, and over 50 types of marine mammals. They’ll even go after sea turtles, penguins, and seabirds. All types of orcas have teeth rather than baleen, so they’re able to go after species that need to be hunted.
Apex Predators
Notably, orcas are considered apex predators, meaning that they’re at the top of their food chain. They have no natural predators in the ocean, and transient orcas are the only known species to prey on great white sharks. Their hunting abilities are truly amazing!
Resident orcas, on the other hand, travel in much larger pods—typically 10–50 total. Unlike transient orcas, they feed on fish and squid. They’ll still use their teeth to eat, but they don’t choose to go after larger species that require a serious attack.
Because of their feeding habits, transient orcas and resident orcas also approach their movement and pod behavior differently. Transient orcas have to be careful not to spook their prey, so they move silently through the water and tend to only communicate as a group after they’ve made a kill. Resident orcas don’t have to worry as much about spooking the schools of fish they go after, so they’re much more vocal and communicative as a group.
How to See Orcas Feeding in Juneau.
Orcas can be found on virtually every whale watching trip out of Juneau during the summer months, between roughly May and September each year. It’s less common for tour groups to witness orcas feeding or capturing their prey, but don’t worry—these beautiful mammals are incredibly interesting even when they’re just moving through the water. Consider adding a whale watching trip to your next Alaska visit to see for yourself!
Experience.
When Orcas come up for air, it can be downright exhilarating. The sound of their blow and the salt spray are an unforgettable experience. Check out these orcas as they surface near Juneau, Alaska.
