Details
Megaptera novaeangliae
A large baleen whale known for long pectoral fins and complex song. It migrates between high-latitude feeding grounds and warm breeding areas.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Humpbacks use both open ocean and coasts. They feed in cold productive waters and breed in warmer shallow seas or around islands.
Very long pectoral fins, a knobbly head, and patterned fluke undersides are distinctive. Fluke patterns help identify individuals.
Breaching, tail slapping, and song are conspicuous behaviors. During feeding, groups may use bubble nets to concentrate fish or krill.
They filter krill and small schooling fish through baleen. In breeding areas they feed little and rely heavily on stored fat.
Mating and calving occur in warm waters. Calves grow quickly on rich milk before migrating with mothers to feeding grounds.
Many populations have recovered from commercial whaling, but ship strikes, entanglement, and noise remain important threats.
