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| Distribution |
In NC waters, it occurs from VA to about Cape Lookout, off the coast; however, it is scarce to nearly absent off the southern half of the coast. The southernmost stranding record is for Carteret County, with none at all along the southern 40% of the coastline.
Though this species is found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters, in the Atlantic off the east coast of the US it seems to prefer the more temperate zone, and is seen more often from Cape Hatteras northward than it is off the southern half of the coast. |
| Abundance |
Common within its overall range. However, in NC waters, fairly common to at times common, and that mainly north of Cape Hatteras. Rare in the warmer months and in warmer waters. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History mammal collections (2021) lists 63 stranding records for NC, all from Carteret County northward. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
The NMNH database lists 63 strandings, all between November and June, with the great majority from February to April. Thus, it is very rare to nearly absent in summer and most of the fall, and present mainly in the latter part of winter into early spring. |
| Habitat |
Seems to favor temperate (cooler) waters off NC, and not often seen in the warm Gulf Stream waters. Fairly deep waters are preferred; not normally seen close to shore. |
| Behavior |
This is a very active and lively species, often coming to boats to bow-ride, and individuals are often seen leaping completely out of the water, so that the hourglass pattern and amber-colored patch on the side of the animal can be seen. Groups of several dozen dolphins are normal. |
| Comments |
This is a very familiar dolphin in states north of NC, but in our waters it is seen much less often than Common Bottlenose Dolphins and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. Winter boat trips seem more reliable for seeing them than those in the warmer months. At times, 100 or more can be seen on a single boat trip, especially out of Oregon Inlet. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S4M |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
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| other_comName |
Short-beaked Saddleback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Saddleback Dolphin |
| synonym |
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