Category:Orcas

The killer whale, also known as an orca (Orcinus orca), is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other species of dolphin.

Killer whale gestation length averages 17 months, and ranges from 15.7 to 18 months at zoological parks.

Birth Seasons
Calves are born throughout the year, with no statistical evidence for birth seasons. However, while males produced sperm throughout the year, peak testosterone and sperm production corresponded to months from March to June in North American zoological facilities.

Specific regions may have peak birth months. For example, in the northeast Pacific Ocean, many calves are born between October and March.

Calving
Just one calf is born at a time. Calves are born in the water.