They are abundant worldwide, but are usually found in deep waters. They are commonly seen of the contiental shelf of the US, where depths are up to 5,000 feet. In all of the years that whale watching boats have been working in New England, this is the only time that sperm whales have ever been seen for more than a single day inshore. The second largest member of the dolphin family, males can reach lengths of 20 feet and 3.5 tons, while females reach 18 feet and 3 tons. They usually occur in groups of 10-50 animals, which are generally comprised of related females and males which move between groups.
Pilot whales are squid feeders and are usually found far offshore in New England.
In some years, however, pilot whales tend to move inshore in the late summer and early fall. We think that these whales may be feeding on herring, which are spawning when pilot whales are present. At times groups can be residential for up to several months. Risso's dolphins are offshore residents which will travle inshore infrequently. They reach lengths of 14 feet and weights of 1500 pounds.