Species MammalsBeluga Whale

Beluga Whale

Delphinapterus leucas

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)

The Beluga Whale is the only all-white whale, a coloration that develops gradually over the first several years of life as camouflage against Arctic sea ice. It is known as the 'canary of the sea' because of its extraordinary vocal repertoire of clicks, chirps, and whistles produced through its flexible, melon-shaped forehead. Belugas are highly social and gather in summering aggregations of hundreds in warm Arctic estuaries.

Habitat
Arctic and subarctic coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers
Diet
Fish, squid, crabs, clams, and invertebrates
How common
Uncommon

Recent Beluga Whale sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Beluga Whale? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More mammals

Abert's Squirrel
Abert's Squirrel
Sciurus aberti
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Cryptonanus agricolai
Alaska Marmot
Alaska Marmot
Marmota broweri
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Ursus arctos gyas
Alaskan Hare
Alaskan Hare
Lepus othus
Alaskan Mink
Alaskan Mink
Neogale vison ingens
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Microsciurus alfari
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Idionycteris phyllotis