Whales & Wildlife
Northern Norway is very rich in marine wildlife, and altogether there are 10 different cetacean (whale) species that can be regularly seen in Northern Norwegian waters. During winter in the fjords north of Tromsø, around Skjervøy and Kvænangen, the three main cetacean species we encounter are the killer whale (Orcinus orca), the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). In the last two winters, we have also been pleasantly surprised by the occasional presence of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). The yearly congregation of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), or Norwegian spring spawning herring, in the fjords of Northern Norway between November and January, brings a large number of whales to have their feast on it. The start and end of the whale watching season is all dependent on the arrival and departure of the herring, and it varies year to year.
Exactly what species of whales and other wildlife we see differs every day. Some days we might be very lucky to see three, or even four, different cetacean species, but most days you can expect to encounter one or two different species. In terms of birdlife, winter is definitely quieter than summer, as most migratory birds are down south in their wintering grounds. You can however expect to see different species of sea gulls, little auks (Alle alle), eider ducks (Somateria mollissima), and even majestic white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla).
Below you can read short introductions about the most common whales and wildlife you might see when you come out with us. We look forward to sharing more information and stories about whales, their behaviour, habitat and latest research findings with you!
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are all cetaceans. There are approximately 86 cetacean species in the world, and they are divided into two groups: toothed whales (Odontoceti) and filter feeding baleen whales (Mysticeti). Toothed whales cover sperm whales, all dolphins and porpoises, as well as beaked whales. Baleen whales are a varied group as well, from the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, to humpbacks and right whales among others.
Killer whale/orca
Orcinus orca
Spekkhogger, Schwertwal, orque, orca, orka, miekkavalas, orca oceaniczna
Conservation status: Data deficient
The killer whale, or orca, is a toothed whale, and the largest member in the dolphin family. Killer whales live in tight family groups, with the oldest female being the matriarch and leader. Killer whales are found in all of the world’s oceans, and their diet varies between populations from fish, to seals, penguins, rays to sharks and other whales. In Norway, most of the killer whales are fish-eaters, but there are some groups that also specialise in hunting seals and porpoises. The best time to see killer whales in Norway is in winter, when they follow the spring-spawning herring into the fjords in Northern Norway.
We support research on Norwegian killer whales by contributing ID photos to Norwegian Orca Survey‘s Norwegian Orca ID catalogue.
Males: 6-8 metres, 6000+kg
Females: 5-7 metres, 4000kg
Humpback whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Knølhval, Buckelwal, baleine à bosse, megattera, ballena jorobada, bultrug, ryhävalas, długopłetwiec oceaniczny
Conservation status: Least concern
Humpback whales are baleen whales, and known for their long pectoral fins (which can be up to 5 metres long) and beautiful song the males sing to attract females. Humpback whales are also known for their active behaviour on the surface, with breaching, and fin and tail slapping. They are a migratory species dividing their time between cold, high-latitude waters for feeding, and warmer, lower latitude waters for breeding and giving birth. The best time to see humpback whales in action is in the winter, when they congregate in the fjords in Northern Norway to feed on spring-spawning herring.
14-16 metres, up to 40000 kg
Females usually larger than males
Fin whale
Balaenoptera physalus
Finnhval, Finnwal, rorqual commun, balenottera comune, rorqual común, gewone vinvis, sillivalas, płetwal zwyczajny
Conservation status: Vulnerable
The fin whale is a baleen whale, and the second largest animal on earth (after the blue whale). They are found in all of the world’s oceans, but are most common in temperate and cool regions. Fin whales are characterised by a very high blow, long back with a relatively small dorsal fin positioned far back along the body, and they hardly ever show their fluke (tail) when they dive.
18-22 metres, up to 70000kg
Females usually larger than males
Sperm whale
Physeter macrocephalus
Spermhval, Potwal, cachalot, capodoglio, cachalote, potvis, kaskelotti, kaszalot spermacetowy
Conservation status: Vulnerable
The sperm whale is the world’s largest toothed whale. They are deep diving mammals that can reach depths of over 2000 metres and hold their breath for up to 2 hours. During their dives, sperm whales hunt squid and deep-sea fish using echolocation. The echolocation click they produce is the loudest biological sound in the world, up to 235dB. All the sperm whales here in the north are males. The females inhabit warmer waters in the tropics and subtropics, where they live in stable social groups with their fellow adult females and calves. The social lives of male sperm whales are largely unknown, with varying observations from mostly solitary behaviour to group gatherings. Sperm whales are typically seen in waters deeper than 400 metres, but in recent winters, they have made an appearance in the fjords around Skjervøy in much shallower waters as well.
Males: 14-16 metres, up to 50000kg
Females: 10-11 metres, up to 15000kg
White-tailed eagle
Haliaeetus albicilla
Havørn, Seeadler, pygargue à queue blanche, aquila di mare, pigargo europeo, zeearend, merikotka, bielik
Conservation status: Least concern
The white-tailed eagle, often also called “sea eagle”, is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. It is the largest eagle species in Europe with a wing span up to 2.5 metres, hence sometimes described as “flying barn doors”. Adult birds can be recognised by their white tail feathers. They are widely distributed all across Eurasia from Iceland to Japan. However, mainly due to human activities, their distribution is scarce and uneven across their range. In Norway, the white-tailed eagle was protected in 1968, and today Norway has the largest white-tailed eagle population in Europe. We often see them flying high above us, or even joining feedings with whales to catch herring.
