Humpback Whale Watching: Megaptera Novaeangliae Identification

The Acrobat of the Sea

The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is perhaps the most beloved of all whale species due to its spectacular surface behaviors and hauntingly complex songs. Ranging from 39 to 52 feet in length, these giants are found in every major ocean.

Key Identification Features

• Long Pectoral Fins: Humpbacks have disproportionately long white-tinted pectoral fins, often reaching up to one-third of their body length.
• Dorsal Fin: A small, “humped” fin sits on a thick base of blubber.
• Ventral Pleats: Deep grooves on their throat allow their mouth to expand like an accordion when feeding on krill and small fish.

Common Surface Behaviors

Watching a Humpback is never boring. Here is what you might see:

• Breaching: A full-body leap out of the water.
• Spy Hopping: The whale pokes its head vertically out of the water to look around.
• Lobtailing: Slapping the fluke against the water repeatedly.
• Pectoral Slapping: Using those massive fins to create a loud “thwack” on the surface.

Where to Find Them

Humpbacks are migratory nomads.

• Feeding Grounds (Summer): Alaska, Antarctica, Gulf of Maine, Norway.
• Breeding Grounds (Winter): Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Australia.

The Song of the Humpback

Only the males sing, and each population shares a distinct song that evolves over time. These songs can last for 20 minutes and be heard for miles underwater. Biologists believe they play a critical role in mating and social structure.

Protecting the Humpback means protecting the vast migratory corridors they traverse every year.