Species MammalsShort-beaked Common Dolphin

Short-beaked Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

CommonMammal
Illustration of Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

The Short-beaked Common Dolphin is notable for its yellow and gray 'hourglass' pattern on its sides and is one of the most abundant cetaceans in the world. It forms enormous herds of hundreds or thousands that can be seen racing toward vessels from miles away when bow-riding. Common dolphins are highly vocal, producing complex whistles and burst-pulse calls used in social interactions.

Habitat
Coastal and offshore warm and temperate ocean waters
Diet
Herrings, anchovies, squid, and small schooling fish
How common
Common

Recent Short-beaked Common Dolphin sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Short-beaked Common Dolphin? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More mammals

Abert's Squirrel
Abert's Squirrel
Sciurus aberti
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Cryptonanus agricolai
Alaska Marmot
Alaska Marmot
Marmota broweri
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Ursus arctos gyas
Alaskan Hare
Alaskan Hare
Lepus othus
Alaskan Mink
Alaskan Mink
Neogale vison ingens
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Microsciurus alfari
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Idionycteris phyllotis