Humpback Whale

The humpback whale is a species of baleen whale. It is a rorqual and is the only species in the genus Megaptera. Adults range in length from 14–17 m and weigh up to 40 metric tons. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and tubercles on its head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers. Males produce a complex song typically lasting 4 to 33 minutes. Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to 16,000 km each year. They feed in polar waters and migrate to tropical or subtropical waters to breed and give birth. Their diet consists mostly of krill and small fish, and they use bubbles to catch prey. They are promiscuous breeders, with both sexes having multiple partners. Orcas are the main natural predators of humpback whales. Like other large whales, the humpback was a target for the whaling industry.

Read more in the app

SETI's 1st 'conversation' with a humpback whale offers insight on how to talk to E.T.

Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In New Jersey—Latest In A String Of East Coast Whale Deaths

Scientists Capture Incredibly Rare Footage of a Humpback Whale Nursing Underwater

Study reveals influence of krill availability on humpback whale pregnancies

Moon, a doomed humpback whale with her spine broken by a vessel strike, swims 3,000 miles doing breaststroke

What can scars and snot tell us about the inner lives of humpback whales? — Researchers are investigating how net entanglement is affecting humpback whale populations

Extremely rare white humpback whale washes up dead on Australian beach

Spiraling vortex of 60 sharks rips apart a dead humpback whale in mesmerizing new video

Breaching humpback whale body slams boat in Mexico, injuring everyone on board

Rare white humpback whale spotted swimming with dolphins Down Under

Watch an Orca Pod Free a Humpback Whale From a Coil of Rope, Possibly Saving Its Life

Pod of orcas frees a humpback whale from certain death. Was it intentional?

Dead humpback whale that beached in New York had human-caused injuries

'Unimaginable' video shows great white sharks ripping humpback whale carcass to shreds

Humpback whale swallows lobster diver before spitting him out

Humpback Whale Nearly Eats a Lobsterman, Then Thinks Better of It