The study of large marine mammals employs specialized terminology to distinguish between individuals and groups. These terms, used by marine biologists and enthusiasts, categorize these massive creatures by age, sex, and social structure. Understanding this nomenclature provides a clearer picture of whale biology and their complex ocean lives.
Terms for Individual Whales
An adult male whale is called a bull. The adult female counterpart is known as a cow, and the young whale of either sex is referred to as a calf. This terminology is consistently applied across nearly all whale species, including both the baleen whales (Mysticeti) and the toothed whales (Odontoceti).
This system of using “bull,” “cow,” and “calf” was adopted from the nomenclature used for large domesticated livestock, specifically cattle. Early whalers and naturalists likely applied these familiar terms because of the animals’ sheer size.
These designations reflect life stages and social roles. For instance, mature male sperm whales, or bulls, often lead solitary lives outside of the mating season. In contrast, female sperm whales, or cows, typically live together in cohesive family groups to cooperatively protect and nurse their calves for years. A calf relies on its mother’s milk for an extended period, sometimes up to two years, before it is fully weaned.
Collective Nouns and Group Behavior
The most common term for a group of whales is a pod, which is used across various species but is most strongly associated with highly social whales like orcas and sperm whales. A pod represents a small, cohesive group that often shares biological bonds, allowing them to coordinate movement, hunting, and protection. Pods can range in size from a few individuals up to several dozen, depending on the species and the social structure.
Other collective nouns are occasionally used to describe a gathering of whales, such as a “school,” suggesting a large, synchronized group, or a “gam,” referring to a more casual, social gathering. Group activities are often described using specific behavioral terms detailing their surface interactions. One such behavior is breaching, where a whale propels a significant portion of its body out of the water before landing with a large splash.
Breaching is considered a form of non-verbal communication, as the loud impact of the whale’s body on the water creates a sound that travels great distances underwater. Another distinct group behavior is lobtailing, where a whale lifts its fluke, or tail, high out of the water and slaps it forcefully against the surface. Both breaching and lobtailing can be used for communication, social signaling, or to remove external parasites.