|
| Distribution |
Most likely in NC in the Labrador Current inshore of the Gulf Stream, north of Cape Hatteras. There are no known records yet for counties south of Dare.
Fairly restricted for a cetacean -- only in the northern Atlantic Ocean, south regularly to about MD or VA, and sparingly at least to NC. |
| Abundance |
Though common to abundant in much colder waters, it appears to be very rare to rare in NC waters, as the species lies at the far southern end of the species' range. It has been recorded from the state only fairly recently. Not known from the state as of 1982 (Lee et al., 1982). However, there were two strandings reported as of 1995 (Webster et al., 1995), both in April. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History mammal collections (2021) lists 9 stranding records for NC, all between 1987 and 2008. The NOAA website reports a total of 10 strandings of the species along the NC coast from 2004 - 2008, which probably are nearly the same records as on the NHNM site. Thus, records are increasing, though we do not have data on offshore sightings (i.e., whether live populations are increasing). |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
The 9 stranding records in the NMNH database all fall in the late winter and spring period -- February to May. As this is a northern species, ranging normally south to the mid-Atlantic states (MD and VA), it is assumed to occur in NC waters almost solely in winter and lingering into spring. |
| Habitat |
Cold to cool waters only, though offshore range in NC is apparently not known. |
| Behavior |
The species is acrobatic and at times jumps out of the water, and thus the distinctive amber-yellow blaze on the side of the trunk, behind the dorsal fin, can often be seen. As with nearly all dolphins, the species often occurs in fairly large groups. |
| Comments |
The species is very poorly known in NC in offshore waters, likely because relative few vessels are looking for cetaceans in colder waters. Considering that 10 individuals stranded over a 5-year period recently (at least one each year), the species must not be overly rare here, at least near the VA border in the winter and early spring. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S1S2M |
| State Status |
|
| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
|
| subspecies |
|
| other_comName |
|
| synonym |
|
