The Fin Whale is the second-largest animal on Earth and the fastest large whale, capable of brief bursts exceeding 23 mph—earning it the nickname 'the greyhound of the sea.' It has an unusual asymmetrical color pattern, with the right lower jaw white and the left dark, possibly an adaptation for coordinated lunge feeding. Fin whale song is among the lowest-frequency sounds produced by any animal.
Best time to see a Fin Whale
The best time to see a Fin Whale is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 638 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Fin Whale? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Fin Whale sightings near you
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Spotted a Fin Whale?
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