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Common Dolphin

Common Dolphins ©Chris Gomersall/2020VISION

Common dolphin

These energetic dolphins are often spotted in large groups which will approach boats, bowriding and leaping alongside. At sea, they can form superpods - huge groups made up of thousands of individuals!

Scientific name

Delphinus delphis

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: up to 2.7m Weight: up to 150kg Average Lifespan: up to 35 years
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Also protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997

Habitats

About

Common dolphins (also referred to as short-beaked common dolphins) are an offshore species but often come close to shore to feed. They are highly social and normally found in groups, travelling at speed and frequently leaping from the water. They feed mainly on fish and will work together to herd their prey into a ball.

How to identify

A slender dolphin, they are dark grey above and whiter below. Common dolphins have a distinctive hourglass pattern on their sides, including an obvious yellow-cream area starting behind the long, narrow beak. The dorsal fin is tall and triangular and curves slightly backwards.

Distribution

Found all around the UK, most common off South and West coasts and offshore.

In our area

Scilly's seas abound with wildlife, including a variety of cetacean species including common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and even bigger species like humpback and fin whales. One of the best ways to see marine mammals is to watch from Scilly's many headlands (like Peninnis or Deep Point on St Mary's, Wingletang on St Agnes, Shipman Head Down on Bryher, Castle Down on Tresco or from the Daymark on St Martin's) or to head out on a WiSE accredited boat operator offshore. Cetaceans don't generally come between the islands, so a trip to the Western Rocks, Eastern Isles or beyond will give you the best opportunities to see them. You can also spot plentiful wildlife on the Scillonian III crossing from Penzance with Isles of Scilly Travel.

Sometimes common dolphins form huge groups known as superpods, with several hundred animals all cruising along at once. Look beneath diving gannets and big flocks of gulls for a chance to spot fins breaking the surface beneath - both birds and cetaceans will make the most of big shoals of fish or bait balls.

Did you know?

Common dolphins are fast! They can reach swimming speeds of around 30 miles per hour when chasing food or bowriding alongside boats.

Scilly's seas abound with wildlife, including a variety of cetacean species including common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and even bigger species like humpback and fin whales. One of the best ways to see marine mammals is to watch from Scilly's many headlands (like Peninnis or Deep Point on St Mary's, Wingletang on St Agnes, Shipman Head Down on Bryher, Castle Down on Tresco or from the Daymark on St Martin's) or to head out on a WiSE accredited boat operator offshore. Cetaceans don't generally come between the islands, so a trip to the Western Rocks, Eastern Isles or beyond will give you the best opportunities to see them. You can also spot plentiful wildlife on the Scillonian III crossing from Penzance with Isles of Scilly Travel.

Sometimes common dolphins form huge groups known as superpods, with several hundred animals all cruising along at once. Look beneath diving gannets and big flocks of gulls for a chance to spot fins breaking the surface beneath - both birds and cetaceans will make the most of big shoals of fish or bait balls.