The humpback whale can be easily recognized by the hump on their backs and their large flippers, almost one-third of its body length. Their body color varies from black to grey, and with white markings on the belly. These markings are different on every whale that can be used to identify individuals, just like human fingerprints.
One of the longest migrating mammals, some populations swim 8,000km (5,000 miles) annually from polar waters, where they feed, to tropical or subtropical waters to breed and give birth, exhausting their fat reserves. In total, they can migrate a year up to 25,000 km (16,000 miles).
Males produce songs for hours at a time; the purpose was not clear, though it may have a role in mating.
Distribution
Indian ocean
Pacific ocean
Arctic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Mediterranean Sea
Caribbean Sea
Gulf of Mexico
Okhotsk Sea
Bering SeaDid you know?
- Have one of the longest migration of any mammals.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
