
Orca - Wikipedia
The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct …
Orcas (Killer whales) | National Geographic
What are orcas? Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphins and one of the world's most powerful predators. They're immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white...
Facts about orcas (killer whales) - Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA
Orcas (also known as killer whales) are marine mammals. They belong to the sub-order of toothed whales (known as odontocetes) but are also the largest member of the dolphin family.
Killer whale | Definition & Facts | Britannica
5 days ago · Orcas are called killer whales because of their reputation as powerful predators in the marine world. The name comes from ancient sailors who watched orcas hunting large marine animals.
Killer Whale - NOAA Fisheries
Aug 18, 2025 · Scientific studies have revealed many different populations with several distinct ecotypes (or forms) of killer whales worldwide—some of which may be different species or subspecies. They …
Orca - National Wildlife Federation
Even though orcas can see above and below water, it is their hearing and echolocation abilities that help them locate objects in the water. By emitting clicks and listening for echoes, orcas are able to …
Orcas are adopting terrifying new behaviors. Are they getting smarter?
Dec 29, 2025 · From sinking boats and feasting on shark livers to dining on whale tongue and tossing porpoises around for fun, orcas are displaying some fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — …
Killer whale - IWC
Killer whales, also known as orcas, are an iconic species, long revered by various aboriginal cultures and frequently the stars of animal performances at marine parks.
Orca (Killer Whale)
An odontocete, or toothed whale, the orca is known for being a carnivorous, fast and skillful hunter, with a complex social structure and a cosmopolitan distribution (orcas are found in all the oceans of the …
Orca - Oceana
The orca, also known as killer whale, has no geographic limits — it may be found playing in the surf or roaming the deep in every ocean across the globe, although there are higher concentrations of orcas …