What Is a Group of Whales Called?

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: May 9, 2023
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Whales are some of the most amazing and diverse ocean animals. They live together in groups in the wild. If you’ve been lucky enough to see a group of whales, you’ve probably been amazed at their intelligence and the way that they interact. Baby whales, called calves, are protected by the older whales in the group. They can even communicate with each other!

But what is a group of whales actually called? And does it differ based on the species?

Swimming in a Pod

A group of whales is called a pod. They differ in size based on circumstances and time of year rather than by species. Most whales live in similar-sized pods, which are often formed through biological family bonds. For example, a mother whale will live in a pod with her calves. Mothers and calves often stay together for a year or two, sometimes even longer. Most species nurse their calves for many months. Calves can even continue nursing or stay near their mother after they start to eat other food.

Mature whales can also form bonds with each other. This results in new pods being formed. These pods can be just a couple of whales or very large groups, sometimes up to 30 or 40. Do whales form pods even larger than that? The answer depends on the time of year.

Wild Orcas Whales pod in open water in blue ocean

Whales, like these Orcas, swim in pods. The size of the pod differes based on circumstances and time of year ather than by species.

©Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com

Whale Activity During Mating Season

If you’ve seen video footage of 50, 60, or even 100 whales swimming together (or been lucky enough to see it in person), you’ve gotten a glimpse of a superpod. These giant gatherings have multiple purposes for the whales. Different species of whales live in oceans all over the world. Amazingly, most whales exhibit some of the same behavior when it comes to spending time in pods.

First, they are opportunities for the whales to socialize and play. Smaller pods often come together periodically to reunite and catch up with old friends and family. While the idea of a whale family reunion is a little funny, these animals are amazingly intelligent. The same pods often get together every year around the same time. When they gather in coastal areas, the human residents look forward to seeing the superpod and celebrating with the whales.

Second, superpods create larger mating groups. Multiple pods of whales will come together during mating season in order to have more possible mates. Some whale species form stronger bonds with each other and stay with their mates. However, most mate for the season and go their separate ways when it is time to move on.

Do All Whales Live in Pods?

Whales generally live in pods but occasionally a whale will go off on their own. Smaller pods are usually limited to a mother and her calf or calves. Male whales can also travel alone or with one buddy. Generally, whales prefer the socialization and protection for their young that they get in a larger group. They tend to form strong bonds as well. Like people, individual whales can have their own preferences when it comes to socialization.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Imagine Earth Photography/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

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