Figure 98. — Atlantic pilot whales frequently "lob 

 tail" I raise the tail flukes above the surface and slap 

 them against the water) (top) and pitchpole or 

 spy-hop (hang vertically in the water with the head 

 up and the tail down) (bottom). (Photos from the 

 North Atlantic by H. E. Winn. 



Virginia to those off Maryland. The two species may be 

 distinguished by the following characteristics: 



Atlantic Pilot Whale 



False Killer Whale 



DORSAL FIN 

 Broad- based and falcate. 



Slender, tall, falcate, 

 pointed on tip. 



and 



SHAPE OF HEAD 



Thick and often squarish in 

 larger animals. 



Slender, gently 

 mouth long. 



tapering 



Robust. 



SHAPE OF BODY 



Long and slender. 



COLORATION 



Black with gray saddle some- 

 times evident behind dorsal 

 fin and gray region on chin 

 and belly. 



Mostly black with gray blaze 

 of variable extent and inten- 

 sity on belly between flip- 

 pers. 



92 



