Observation of killer whale (Orcinus orca) possibly eating penguins in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

Killer whales have been regularly reported in the Antarctic (Jehl et al. 1980, Thomas et al. 1981, Branch & Butterworth 2001, Pitman & Ensor 2003). As in the Northern Hemisphere where killer whales manifest three ecotypes (resident, transient and offshore) (Jones 2006), three forms of killer whale have been described in Antarctic waters (Pitman & Ensor 2003). Such ecotypes, defined as A, B and C, differ from one another, on the basis of body size, color pattern, habitat preferences and food habits. However, no detailed information on the diet is available. It is generally believed that the A form is a mammal eating species, while the B form preys on pinnipeds (possibly including penguins and whales) and the C form is a fish eater targeting toothfishes (Dissostichus spp.) (Berzin & Vladimirov 1983). The