Species · GBIF taxon 5220086
Megaptera novaeangliae
megaptera novaeangliaeAlso known as Humpbacked Whale
Humpback whales are famous for their acrobatic surface displays, frequently launching their massive 40-ton bodies entirely out of the water in spectacular breaches. During the breeding season, males sing complex, haunting songs that can travel for miles through the ocean, while mothers and calves form close bonds, communicating with quiet, intimate grunts. Their seasonal migrations are among the longest of any mammal, spanning thousands of miles between cold polar feeding grounds and warm tropical breeding lagoons.
Marine MammalMigratoryVocalist
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Krill
- Herring
- Capelin
Predators
- Killer Whale
- Great White Shark
ThreatsEntanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, ocean noise, and climate change
HabitatsOpen oceans, coastal waters, and tropical breeding bays
Life span80 to 90 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCetacea
- FamilyBalaenopteridae
- GenusMegaptera
- Speciesmegaptera novaeangliae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards to avoid collisions and disturbance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Their immense size and active surface behaviors, such as breaching and tail-slapping, can easily capsize small watercraft.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a low, bushy blow, a small knobby dorsal fin, and exceptionally long white pectoral fins.
- What to do
- Never approach within 100 yards in a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, and put engines in neutral if a whale approaches you.
- What to notice
- Recognized by the unique black-and-white pigment patterns on the underside of their tail flukes.
- Support conservation
- Report injured or entangled whales to local marine mammal stranding networks immediately rather than attempting a rescue.
Responsible observation
- Watch the Footprint: Look for a calm, glassy patch of water on the surface, which indicates a whale has just submerged directly below.
- Listen Closely: Hydrophones on whale-watching boats can capture the haunting songs of nearby males during the breeding season.
- Keep Your Distance: Always follow local marine mammal viewing guidelines to prevent disrupting their natural behaviors.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Symbiont (c) Benny Albro, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Benny Albro · cc-by
Close Relative NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Close Relative (c) Cephas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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