Humpback Whale
Lowest risk
Vagrant
The humpback whale is a species of baleen whale. It is one of the larger rorqual species, with adults ranging in length from 12–16 m (39–52 ft) and weighing around 25–30 metric tons. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers. Males produce a complex song lasting 10 to 20 minutes, which they repeat for hours at a time. All the males in a group will produce the same song, which is different each season. Its purpose is not clear, though it may help induce estrus in females.
- Average mass
- 3e+07 g
- Breeding interval
- Females of this species typically produce offspring every two years, and can produce yound twice in three years.
- Range number of offspring
- 1 (low)
- Average number of offspring
- 1
- Average number of offspring
- 1
- Range gestation period
- 11 to 11.5 months
- Average weaning age
- 5 months
- Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
- 4 to 5 years
- Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
- 4 to 5 years
- Average lifespan
Status: wild - 77.0 years
- Average lifespan
Status: wild - 95.0 years
Kurlansky, M. 2000. "Megaptera novaeangliae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 10, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Megaptera_novaeangliae/
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