Dolphin Behavior & Common Spotting Terms

Fluke Print - a circular area of smooth water caused by the action of the fluke as a dolphin swims. In calm conditions near the surface it is sometimes easy to follow the dolphin's progress by noting the "flukeprints" it makes.

Mudding - This is also called "strand feeding" by some. Two or more dolphins may act in concert to herd fish then run the fish up onto shallow mud flats. The dolphin then follow the fish by coming out of the water, sliding up the mud flats, eating the stranded fish and sliding back into the water.

Chuffing - a behavior that seems to indicate annoyance. The dolphin will repeat a series of large inhalations and exhalations through its blowhole that make a chuffing sound.

 

Tail Slap - The dolphin actively slaps its fluke on the top of the water thereby making a loud slapping sound. In some cases this indicates annoyance and in others it just seems to be a playful behavior.

Spy Hop - a behavior whereby the dolphin lifts its head far enough out of the water so it can look at what is happening above the water. Dolphins often do this around boats and humans. Spy hopping may take place in the normal course and pattern of swimming or the dolphin may stop and lift its upper body out of that water in a vertical position.

Pod - groups of dolphins are called pods.

Calf - an infant dolphin