Species - Humpback Whale
A baleen whale, the Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a member of the
Balaenopteridae family. This family also has a common name, the rorquals.
A distinguishing characteristic of the Humpback Whale is its extremely long
flippers. Males produce the longest songs in the animal world--songs that
are slowly changed over time.
Humpback males average 48 ft. in length, while females are usually a
few feet longer. The weight range for both sexes is approximately 34-45 tons.
Calves are approximately 15 ft. at birth and weigh 1.5 tons. The color of
Humpbacks is almost black, with white in the area of the throat grooves.
Found in oceans throughout the world, the total Humbpack Whale population
is estimated at about 25,000 individuals.
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