Search results
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. It is a rorqual (a member of the family Balaenopteridae) and is the only species in the genus Megaptera. Adults range in length from 14–17 m (46–56 ft) and weigh up to 40 metric tons (44 short tons).
Aug 31, 2024 · humpback whale, (Megaptera novaeangliae), a baleen whale known for its elaborate courtship songs and displays. Humpbacks usually range from 12 to 16 metres (39 to 52 feet) in length and weigh approximately 36 metric tons (40 short [U.S.] tons).
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
What is a humpback whale? Humpback whales are found in every ocean in the world. Their Latin name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means "big wing of New England." It refers to their giant pectoral...
- 34 sec
Apr 8, 2024 · Humpback whales live in all oceans around the world. They travel great distances every year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Some populations swim 5,000 miles from tropical breeding grounds to colder, more productive feeding grounds.
Humpback whales are hard to miss—they can grow to be bigger than a school bus and weigh 40 tons! If their size wasn’t enough to catch your attention, humpback whales are also known for their acrobatics. Humpback whales can use their powerful fluke, or tail fin, to launch themselves out of the water.
Singing some of the longest and most complex songs in the animal kingdom, humpback whales are masters of melody. They are also known for the acrobatics - from flipper slapping to spy hopping to full body breaching, humpback whales can do amazing things for such a large animal!
Apr 19, 2023 · Humpback whales are iconic members of the baleen whale family thanks to their breathtaking breaches and hauntingly beautiful songs.
