Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale Facts
Scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae
Conservation Status: Least Concern – population increasing
Lifespan: 45-50 years
Mass: 25,000 to 30,000 kg (up to 40 tons)
Length: Females can grow up to be 15-16m while males can be 13-14m
More About Humpback Whales:
Humpback whales are a type of baleen whale and are found in every single ocean on our planet and can be identified by their black upper body with white patches on the underside, and long pectoral fins. They also have small bumps on their heads called “tubercles” which are highly sensitive to touch and help them find food.
Just like most other whale species, females are larger than males. As Baleen whales, instead of teeth, they have baleen plates, which are 270 to 400 fringed, overlapping plates that hang from either side of the upper jaw. The plates are made of keratin, which is also the material that human hair and nails are made of. According to the NOAA, baleen plates are 30 inches (76 cm) long and are black in color.
The enormous pectoral fins of the humpback can reach 15 feet in length and are often used to “slap” the water. They are wintering in warmer latitudes and feed in Arctic and Antarctic regions during the polar summer months.
Of all large whales, the humpback is perhaps the most well-known. The humpback first gained international attention in the early 1970s when researcher Roger Payne (with Scott McVay) discovered the complex “songs” that the males sing. This discovery prompted the beginning of the “Save The Whales” movement.
Humpback Whale Facts & Tidbits
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- The common name “Humpback” came from the distinctive curvature of their back when diving. Their scientific name, Megaptera means “big-winged” and is inspired by their gigantic pectoral fins that can grow as big as 16 feet in length.
- Humpback whales are known for their range of migration. They have some of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet and travel up to 5,000 miles from their tropical breeding grounds to colder regions in search of productive feeding grounds.
- Humpback whales are one of the 12 baleen whale species.
- These whales can reach lengths up to 60 feet, with females being slightly larger. The Humpback is known for its long pectoral fins which can reach 15 feet in length.
- The pattern of white on the underside of the tail fluke is unique to each individual, allowing scientists to use photo identification to ID individual whales.
- Humpback whales are famed for their “songs”. These are only performed by males and can typically be heard during the breeding season. While the exact reason for these songs is unknown, scientists think that these songs are linked to attracting females as a mating call. Some also believe that these songs mark used to establish identity and mark territory. The songs are comprised of a series of complex calls.
Distribution
The humpback whale is widely distributed around the globe. They migrate annually between summer feeding grounds in northern and southern regions like Alaska and Antarctica, to tropical calving grounds where they give birth and remain until calves are ready to undertake the migration with their mothers.
The annual migration from feeding grounds to calving grounds may take several months to complete and may cover up to 10,000 km.
Wondering where are the best places to see Humpback whales in the wild?
Humpback whales can be found in every ocean of the world but the best places to see them are the Pacific North-West near the US states of Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Southern California as well as along the waters of British Columbia in Canada. Some whales also travel to Mexico.
The Western Coast of Australia is another popular spot to spot these magnificent creatures from June to November.
Status of the Humpback Whales
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Humpback whale was considered to be endangered not too long ago in the late 1980s but has now recovered in population. It has moved from Vulnerable to Least Concern, which means that it is at low risk of extinction.
