Bowhead whale

Balaena mysticetus

Size: Total length 14–20 m · 75–100 t
Diet: Filter Feeder
Activity: Seasonal
Sociality: Loose group
Lifespan: —

Bowhead whale is a large Arctic baleen whale with thick blubber and a strongly arched mouth. Past whaling reduced populations, and rapid Arctic environmental change is a continuing concern.

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Key facts

Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is a filter feeder animal classified as Mammal · Artiodactyla · Balaenidae.
Primary habitats are open ocean · polar, with a range across Arctic Ocean.
Activity is seasonal, sociality is loose group, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Bowhead whale is a large Arctic baleen whale with thick blubber and a strongly arched mouth.
It inhabits Arctic and subarctic seas, ice edges, and cold continental-shelf waters.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits Arctic and subarctic seas, ice edges, and cold continental-shelf waters. Main habitat types in this guide are ocean, polar.

Appearance

Typical length 1400-2000 cm, weight 75 t-100 t. A huge head, arched upper jaw, dark body, no dorsal fin, and thick blubber are distinctive.

Behavior

It is seasonal in its movements and activity and often found in loose groups. It moves seasonally along sea-ice edges and breathes through leads and openings.

Feeding

It is a filter feeder. Small crustaceans and plankton are filtered through baleen.

Reproduction

Females bear single calves that grow in cold seas while building insulating blubber.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Past whaling reduced populations, and rapid Arctic environmental change is a continuing concern.