Species MammalsHumpback Whale

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

The Humpback Whale is famous for its elaborate, complex songs produced by males on breeding grounds—the most intricate vocalizations of any non-human animal. It has long, knobbly pectoral flippers up to 16 feet long and is a remarkably acrobatic species known for dramatic breaches, fin slaps, and lobtailing. Humpbacks employ cooperative bubble-net feeding, in which groups corral fish schools inside spiraling columns of rising air bubbles.

Habitat
Coastal and open ocean; migratory between polar and tropical waters
Diet
Krill, herring, mackerel, and small schooling fish
How common
Uncommon

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