Narwhals, often called the “unicorns of the sea,” are marine mammals of the Arctic. They inhabit the icy waters of Canada, Greenland, and Russia, making them challenging to observe and study. Their most distinctive feature is a long, spiraled tusk, typically found on males, which is actually an elongated canine tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long. This unique characteristic, combined with their remote habitat, contributes to their mysterious nature.
The Elusive Name for a Narwhal Group
When narwhals gather, the most widely accepted term for their collective is a “pod.” This word is commonly used across many whale species to describe their social groupings. However, a more evocative and less common term for a group of narwhals is a “blessing.” This term likely stems from the rare and awe-inspiring sight of these animals. While “school” is also sometimes used, “pod” remains the more specific and widely recognized descriptor for narwhal gatherings.
Narwhal Social Life and Groupings
Narwhals are social animals that form diverse groupings throughout the year. Typical social units, usually consisting of 3 to 8 individuals, can sometimes include up to 20 narwhals. These smaller groups often show segregation by age and sex, with observations of “bachelor pods” composed solely of males, or pods made up of females and their calves.
During seasonal migrations, particularly in summer, these smaller pods can converge to form much larger aggregations. These larger groups can number in the hundreds or even thousands of individuals. Forming groups provides several advantages, including enhanced safety from predators like killer whales and improved coordination during their extensive migrations across Arctic waters.
Behaviors Within Narwhal Pods
Narwhals engage in various activities within their social groups. They communicate extensively using vocalizations like clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls. These sounds are essential for echolocation, allowing them to navigate icy environments, locate prey, and maintain social bonds, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Recent observations, particularly from drone footage, have revealed coordinated foraging behaviors. Narwhals use their tusks to stun fish, such as Arctic char. This indicates a more active role for the tusk in hunting than previously understood.
Social interactions also include “tusking,” where two or more narwhals raise and cross their tusks vertically. This may be a ritualistic behavior to assess dominance or display qualities to potential mates. It might also facilitate the transfer of sensory information about the surrounding water. Narwhals also exhibit synchronized swimming and other forms of social learning and play.