A Herd?
Gray whales belong to the baleen suborder, Mysticeti. The word comes from the Greek word for “mustache,” a likely nod to baleen’s “hairy” appearance. Instead of teeth, Mysticetes have baleen plates that they use for filter feeding. Groups of Mysticetes are called “herds,” unlike the toothed whale suborder, Odontoceti, which travels in groups called “pods.” During our whale watching cruises, larger herds of gray whales have been more prevalent; some cruises have spotted herds of four to five whales! —Bekah Logan, Naturalist, Birch Aquarium

Courtesy of Audrey Evans, Birch Aquarium

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