Mammals diurnal

Northern Right Whale Dolphin

Lissodelphis borealis

The only finless dolphin in the North Pacific, this sleek 'sea-serpent' of the deep is a master of high-speed acrobatics. Its striking black-and-white tuxedo and slender frame make it one of the most unique sightings for any coastal observer.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 2 to 3.1 meters (6.6 to 10.2 feet); Weight: 60 to 115 kg (130 to 250 lbs)

palette

Colors

Jet-black upper body and sides with a striking white patch on the chest and underbelly; occasionally a white tip on the lower jaw.

visibility

Key Features

Complete absence of a dorsal fin
Extremely slender and streamlined profile
Small, recurved pectoral fins
White ventral (underside) marking shaped like an hourglass

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 10 AM - 3 PM for surface sightings; 9 PM - 1 AM for feeding activity

calendar_month

Season Year-round, with sightings peaking in coastal areas during spring and autumn

restaurant

Diet A variety of squid and small mesopelagic fish, especially lanternfish, which they hunt by diving to depths of at least 200 meters.

park

Habitat Cool, temperate offshore waters of the North Pacific, usually well beyond the continental shelf.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

Northern Right Whale Dolphins are high-energy socialites of the deep ocean. They travel in pods that typically range from 5 to 200 individuals, though massive 'super-pods' of over 2,000 have been recorded. They are remarkably fast and graceful swimmers, often engaging in a behavior called 'low-leaping' where they skip across the water surface like a stone. This creates a distinct splashing pattern that can be seen from a distance, looking more like a school of fish than typical dolphin breaching.

These dolphins are frequently seen associating with other marine life, particularly Pacific White-sided Dolphins and various species of whales. While they are known to bow-ride on occasion, they are generally more elusive and 'boat-shy' than the common dolphin. When startled, the entire pod may flee in a synchronized, high-speed rush, creating a spectacular 'rooster-tail' of spray behind them.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

Capturing the Northern Right Whale Dolphin on camera requires a specialized approach because they lack a dorsal fin—the primary feature most AI wildlife models use to identify dolphins. If you are setting up a camera on a coastal pier, high-altitude cliff, or a marine buoy, you must configure your AI to trigger on movement and 'low-profile' shapes. Traditional 'fin-spotting' algorithms will miss them entirely. Instead, look for a 'log-like' silhouette that breaks the water surface without the vertical disruption of a fin.

For the best results, use a circular polarizing filter on your lens to cut through the ocean's surface glare. These dolphins are jet-black, meaning they can easily disappear into the dark water on cloudy days. Aim for 'Golden Hour' lighting—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—when the low sun catches the white chest patch as they leap. This contrast is the best way to get a clear, high-quality identification shot. Set your camera’s shutter speed to at least 1/2000s to freeze their rapid 'skipping' motion across the waves.

If you are using a stationary trail camera mounted on a boat or a coastal vantage point, use a long focal length (at least 300mm equivalent) and focus on 'lead-shooting.' Because these dolphins swim in tight, fast-moving lines, if you see one leap, the rest of the pod is likely following in the same trajectory. Adjust your trigger speed to the fastest possible setting; a delay of even half a second will result in a frame full of empty water.

Seasonality plays a huge role in camera placement. In the winter, these dolphins move further south toward Southern California and Baja, while in the summer, they migrate as far north as the Gulf of Alaska. Check local sea surface temperature charts; they prefer water between 8°C and 19°C (46°F-66°F). Positioning your equipment near deep-water canyons that come close to shore will significantly increase your chances of a successful capture.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Northern Right Whale Dolphin.

Southern Right Whale Dolphin

Identical in shape but found only in the Southern Hemisphere; has more white on its face and flanks.

Pacific White-sided Dolphin

Has a very prominent, hooked dorsal fin and a much stockier build compared to the slender, finless Northern Right Whale Dolphin.

Harbor Porpoise

Much smaller and stouter with a small triangular dorsal fin; lacks the striking jet-black and bright-white contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are active throughout the day for socializing and travel, which is when they are most visible to cameras. However, their most intense hunting occurs at night when their prey, like lanternfish and squid, migrates from the deep sea toward the surface.

As pelagic mammals, they cannot be 'attracted' like backyard birds. However, they are most often found near 'upwelling' zones where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, attracting the squid they feed on. Deep-water canyons near the coast are the best places to look.

Their diet consists primarily of squid and small deep-sea fish. They are particularly fond of lanternfish, which they hunt during the night when these fish move closer to the surface.

They are rarely seen from suburban shorelines unless the coastline drops off into very deep water. Residents of coastal California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia have the best chance of spotting them from high coastal cliffs during migration seasons.

The easiest way is the dorsal fin: Pacific White-sided Dolphins have a large, curved, two-toned fin, while the Northern Right Whale Dolphin has a completely smooth, finless back. The Northern Right Whale Dolphin is also much more slender and elongated.

Record Northern Right Whale Dolphin at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo