Cetaceans in Georgia Waters |
| Cetaceans are the Order of dolphins, whales, and porpoises. We often refer to our Common Bottlenose Dolphin as a porpoise, but in fact, we have no porpoises in Georgia. That's really okay, since there are 50 species of whale, 32 species of dolphin, and only 6 species of porpoise. Georgia still has plenty to choose from, perhaps 18 species or more. The farther we go to sea on our pelagic birding trips, and the more often we are out there, the better our chances of finding these incredible animals. The accounts below will only be of the species we have identified from these trips. |
Dolphins Facts and terms. Dolphins have a single blow hole, through which they breathe, but they have no sense of smell. Their powerful swimming is achieved by the tail fluke, and balance is achieved from the pectoral flipper and dorsal fin. The shape of that dorsal fin, body colors, size and beak are diagnostic for identification. There is no evidence that dolphins use language as we know it, but researchers have no doubt they can communicate things like food sources and danger. One of the more incredible things about dolphins is the forehead, called the melon. The melon and the lower jaw are the animal's sonar unit. Dolphins send out a signal through the melon to locate their prey, and receive an echo back through the lower jaw. This is known as echolocation. It was even suggested in one article I read that a dolphin can see through the body of a human being. Echolocation can be used from as little as 2 inches to about 200 meters away. Outstanding hearing helps the pod navigate in the darkness of the ocean. The melon is often used to ram and stun prey as well. Dolphins also slap prey with their tail flukes, and inshore they will herd prey onto a mud bank. |
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As we leave coastal inshore waters the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, Stenella frontalis, is the most likely member of its tribe we will encounter in Georgia waters. It does, however, inhabit coastal waters and is commonly found around near-shore reefs. The adults are distinctively spotted on the dorsal surface, although young might be mistaken for small Common Bottlenose Dolphins. They swim in large family pods, usually 5 to15 individuals, but occasionally up to 50. These dolphins are frequent bow riders and are otherwise acrobatic as well. Spotted Dolphins are usually smaller than their in-shore brethren at 6 to 7 feet. |
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin |
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 Photo courtesy NOAA |
The Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus is the familiar 'Flipper' of TV fame and tourist attractions. It is also the one we are most likely to find inshore. Bottlenose are large dolphins, sometimes measuring to 12 feet and over 1400 lbs. The dorsal fin is slightly hooked, or falcate. Dorsal body color in Georgia waters is grey, and the underside is pinkish-white. The beak is characteristically bottle-shaped. They are well known as bow riders in the wakes of larger vessels. |
| Bottlenose Dolphin | |