Types of Dolphins in New Hampshire
While not a common sight, several dolphin species occasionally visit New Hampshire's coastal waters, especially offshore. The most likely visitor is the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. Start your identification by checking for a short beak and a tall, curved dorsal fin.
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More dolphin pages for New Hampshire
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While not a common sight, several dolphin species occasionally visit New Hampshire's coastal waters, especially offshore. The most likely visitor is the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. Start your identification by checking for a short beak and a tall, curved dorsal fin.
1. What is the most common dolphin species in New Hampshire?
The **Atlantic white-sided dolphin** is the species you are most likely to spot off the New Hampshire coast. These dolphins are known for their striking light gray sides and a yellow or tan patch just below the dorsal fin. Look for pods of 20 to 60 animals feeding on squid and small fish in deeper waters.
2. How can you tell different dolphin species apart in New Hampshire?
Focus on three key features: beak length, dorsal fin shape, and color pattern. **Beak length**: Common dolphins have a long, distinct beak; white-sided dolphins have a short, stubby beak. **Dorsal fin**: White-sided dolphins have a tall, falcate (curved) fin; common dolphins have a more triangular fin. **Color pattern**: White-sided dolphins have a prominent white belly and light gray sides; common dolphins have an hourglass pattern of yellow and gray. Use binoculars to get a clear look from shore or a boat.
3. Where and when are each type of dolphin most likely to be noticed?
**Atlantic white-sided dolphins** are seen from late spring through fall, typically in waters deeper than 100 meters off the Isles of Shoals. **Common dolphins** (short-beaked) are rarer but occasionally appear in warmer water years, often in mixed groups with white-sided dolphins. **Bottlenose dolphins** are extremely rare in New Hampshire, but solitary individuals have been reported in harbors in late summer. Your best odds are on a whale watch trip from Rye or Hampton. For more details, see ourdolphin species identification guide.
4. What distinctive markings help identify Atlantic white-sided dolphins?
Look for a yellow or tan stripe running from the eye to the tail, flanked by a dark gray back and white belly. The dorsal fin is tall and strongly curved. Juveniles have less contrast. If you see a dolphin porpoising with a tall fin and a bright white flank, that is your top candidate. Check thedolphin hubfor more identification tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are common dolphins ever seen in New Hampshire?
Yes, but infrequently. **Short-beaked common dolphins** are warm-water visitors that may show up during years with elevated sea surface temperatures. They have a distinctive overlapping color pattern in the shape of an hourglass on their sides. Sighting reports are rare; most come from offshore fishing vessels. When they do appear, they often travel in large, energetic groups.
6. What other dolphin species might appear off New Hampshire?
On rare occasions, **Risso's dolphins** and **white-beaked dolphins** have been recorded. Risso's dolphins are larger, with a blunt head and extensive scarring. White-beaked dolphins look similar to Atlantic white-sided but have a white beak and a dark patch around the eye. Neither is common, so consider yourself lucky if you spot one. For a full species list, visit theNew Hampshire wildlife page.