Compare Baleen Whales & Toothed Whales

Baleen whales have plates along their upper jaws used to filter food from the water. Those baleen plates are made of keratin, the same material as fingernails and hair. Baleen whales have two blow holes, and are among the largest animals on earth. Female baleen whales are generally bigger than the males and several baleen whales can be seen in Washington and Oregon State.

Toothed whales can be any whale with teeth, but it also includes dolphins and porpoise. These mammals have teeth and a single blowhole. The number of teeth varies by species; ranging from two in some beaked whales to 250 in some dolphins. They use their teeth for catching fish, squid or other marine life. They do not chew their food like humans do, rather they use their teeth for a variety of purposes. Toothed whales are smaller than baleen whales, and many species live in pods.

To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, please call: 1-800-853-1964