Long-finned Pilot WhaleGlobicephala melasWhere and when to see them

The long-finned pilot whale is a large oceanic dolphin with a rounded forehead, dark body and strong social bonds. It inhabits cool-temperate and subpolar waters, including the North Atlantic around Norway. Despite its name, it belongs to the dolphin family rather than the baleen whales. Groups may travel along continental margins or enter coastal waters, but appearances near accessible shores are irregular and should never be treated as predictable attractions.

Size

3.8–6.5 m long

Weight

1,000–3,000 kg

Lifespan

35–60 years

Status

Least Concern

Pilot whales live in enduring social groups, often containing closely related females and their offspring. Groups coordinate travel and may rest close together at the surface between feeding bouts. Their vocal repertoire includes whistles and pulsed calls used in social communication. They sometimes associate with other cetaceans. Strong group cohesion is one proposed contributor to mass strandings, although individual events can involve several interacting environmental, navigational and health factors. Vocalizations, including whistles, are crucial for maintaining group cohesion and for echolocation during hunting. They often engage in 'logging' behavior, where several individuals rest motionless at the surface, sometimes in close physical contact. While generally social, their behavior can vary from boisterous surface activity to quiet, submerged travel, making each encounter unique.

• Pilot whales are members of the dolphin family.
• Their long pectoral fins can approach one fifth of body length.
• Females generally live longer than males.
• Closely related females can remain together in stable social units.

Norway's longer daylight and generally more workable coastal conditions make late spring and summer practical for distant observation. Pilot whales remain unpredictable, however, and this is not a defined local gathering season. Weather, visibility and chance strongly influence any shore or deck view. Summer months bring peak opportunities for whale watching tours operating from various coastal towns, increasing the chance of encountering these mobile pods. Their presence is often linked to the migrations of schooling fish or squid, which can be more predictable during certain times of year. Keep an eye on local marine wildlife reports for updates on recent sightings, which can fluctuate annually.

This species occupies cool oceanic waters and continental-slope habitats, sometimes moving onto shelves or into deep coastal channels. In Norway, its distribution depends on prey and wider ocean conditions rather than a fixed association with particular harbours or tourist routes. They are found in two distinct populations: one in the North Atlantic and another in the Southern Hemisphere. In Norway, they are more commonly found along the shelf edge and in deeper fjords, particularly in the northern and western parts of the coastline. These whales prefer waters between 0 and 25 degrees Celsius, aligning with their preferred prey distribution.

Squid are major prey, supplemented by fish and other cephalopods according to region. Feeding commonly occurs well below the surface, with echolocation helping locate prey in darkness. Distant observers generally see travelling, breathing or resting animals rather than feeding itself. In the North Atlantic, their diet also includes schooling fish like mackerel and herring, especially when squid populations are less abundant. Their deep diving capabilities allow them to exploit prey resources across a significant portion of the water column. Studies have shown they can dive to depths of 600 meters or more for extended periods during foraging.

Common name

Long-finned Pilot Whale

Scientific name

Globicephala melas

Animal group

Marine life

Size

3.8–6.5 m long

Weight

1,000–3,000 kg

Lifespan

35–60 years

Status

Least Concern

Identification

A bulbous head and broad-based dorsal fin distinguish pilot whales from most dolphins, but separating long-finned from short-finned pilot whales at distance is difficult. The long-finned pilot whale generally has a larger, more rounded head compared to its short-finned counterpart, though this can be difficult to discern without a close view. Their bodies are typically dark grey or black with a distinct grey or white saddle patch behind the dorsal fin and a white ventral blaze. The dorsal fin is broad at the base, sickle shaped, and positioned relatively far forward on the back.