Killer Whales Seen Preying on Birds in the Puget Sound

Orcas, often dubbed the wolves of the sea, have long been known for their formidable hunting tactics, from removing shark livers to launching seals into the air and even capsizing boats. Recently, their attention has turned to seabirds along the Washington coastline.

During a November field expedition, researchers from the Orca Behavior Institute and the Center for Whale Research observed Biggs orcas actively pursuing seabirds in the Puget Sound. According to the team, members of the T36s, T137s, and T99B pods targeted common loons and surf scoters near Murden Cove off Bainbridge Island.

Drone footage captured the whales in shallow waters, where their powerful flukes stirred up the mud below. While a few whales stayed together, others separated to approach unsuspecting birds from different angles. Despite the aggressive maneuvers, the orcas were not consuming the birds. Experts suggest this could be practice for hunting or a form of playful interaction.

The seabirds, however, endured a tense ordeal. One rhinoceros auklet endured a half-hour chase, being tail-slapped and repeatedly pounced upon by a pod. Observers noted instances where one whale would punt a bird while another performed spy hopping, lifting its head above water to track the birds flight.

This behavior aligns with prior observations by scientists John Ford and Graeme Ellis, who documented similar interactions in their 1999 work Transients. They noted that seabirds often serve as objects of play rather than prey. Juvenile orcas engaging with birds likely develop skills that enhance their ability to hunt more challenging prey, such as harbor seals.

Author: Sophia Brooks