BEHAVIOUR SOCIALIZING Socializing behaviour includes various aerial displays participated in by all the whales in a group or only a few while the others may rest or forage. These activities are most often observed in juvenile whales and appear to be a form of PLAYTIME: AERIAL BEHAVIORS are most likely displays of social excitement, dominance, or aggression. BREACHING refers to 2/3 or more of a whale being exposed above the surface of the water. Killer whale breaching SPYHOPPING describes the whale raising its head vertically above the water. This seems to be a way to look around at their surroundings. TAIL SLAPPING is most likely an aggressive display as the tail flukes are slapped on the water's surface. Transient whale tails are used as weapons to kill or stun their prey. BEACH RUBBING is a behaviour common to the northern resident whales. It is most often observed at a series of small beaches within the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve where the whales rub their bodies on the small, smooth pebbles, sometimes for several hours. Beach Rubbing Video All pictures and audio © Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre 1999 Killer Facts | Distribution | Snacks & Facts | Clans & Pods | Whale Chat | Behaviour | Mug Shots |