Definition & Meaning of "pilot whale"

What is a "pilot whale"?

Pilot whales are a type of oceanic dolphin that belong to the family Delphinidae. They are known for their robust bodies, with a dark, glossy skin and a bulbous forehead. They have a long, slender fin on their back known as a dorsal fin, and their flippers are also long and narrow. Pilot whales are known for their social behavior, typically living in tight-knit pods that can consist of dozens or even hundreds of individuals. They are known to be highly intelligent and communicate with each other using a series of clicks, whistles, and body movements. Pilot whales are known to be deep divers, capable of reaching depths of several hundred meters in search of food, which primarily consists of fish and squid. They are also known for their acrobatic displays, often breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping, which involves poking their heads out of the water to observe their surroundings.