Most Common Prey:
* Seals and Sea Lions: Orcas are highly skilled hunters of these pinnipeds, often using coordinated tactics to drive them onto land or into the water.
* Fish: They consume a wide variety of fish, including salmon, cod, herring, and tuna.
* Dolphins: Orcas can prey on other dolphin species, although this is less common than seal hunting.
Other Prey:
* Whales: While not their primary food source, orcas have been observed hunting larger whales like gray whales, minke whales, and even blue whales.
* Seabirds: They occasionally eat seabirds, particularly in areas with large colonies.
* Squid and Octopus: These cephalopods are part of their diet, especially in deep-water areas.
Factors Affecting Diet:
* Location: An orca's diet can vary depending on its geographic location.
* Population: Different orca populations often specialize in certain prey types.
* Seasonality: Their diet may change depending on the time of year and the availability of prey.
It's important to remember that orcas are opportunistic hunters and will eat whatever is most readily available to them.