KidZone Animals
Whales: Humpback Whales
"Humpback whale underwater shot"; used with permission
under Public Domain
Humpback whales, or Megaptera novaeangliae, are part of the order Mysticeti. Other baleen whales in this order include Blue, Gray, and Right whales. Humpback whales are typically dark gray or black and are sometimes mistaken for Gray whales. However, the Humpback whale has a distinctive white, rugged stomach pattern.
Another strong characteristic of the Humpback whale is its large flippers (pectoral fins). These fins can measure up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length and allow the Humpback to breach above water and descend quickly.
Humpbacks can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) long and weigh up to 40,000 kilograms (88,000 pounds). They can live up to 95 years old.
The Humpback whale is most well-known for its beautiful singing voice. However, only male Humpbacks exhibit these vocal behaviors. Like Gray whales, Humpbacks are extremely playful. Breaching, spyhopping, fluking, and other behaviors are common in a Humpback's day-to-day activities.
- Order: Humpback whales are part of the order Mysticeti (baleen whales).
- Physical Characteristics: Dark gray or black color with a white, rugged stomach pattern, large pectoral fins up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length.
- Size: Can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) long and weigh up to 40,000 kilograms (88,000 pounds).
- Lifespan: Can live up to 95 years.
- Behavior: Known for their beautiful singing (by males) and playful behaviors such as breaching, spyhopping, and fluking.
Humpback Whales facts coloring pages and posters
