The humpback whale is a large baleen whale known for its long migrations, acrobatic surface behavior, and complex songs. Adults typically measure 12–16 meters in length and weigh 25–40 tonnes. They are found in all major oceans and undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling between high-latitude feeding grounds and low-latitude breeding areas.
Distinctive features include long pectoral fins (up to one-third of body length), knobby tubercles on the head and fins, and a variable black-and-white pattern on the underside of the tail flukes that allows individual identification.
Feeding and behavior
Humpbacks are filter feeders. They consume krill and small schooling fish using techniques such as lunge feeding and bubble-net feeding, in which groups cooperate to concentrate prey. They are also known for breaching, pectoral-fin slapping, and other surface displays whose functions may include communication, play, or parasite removal.
Males produce long, structured songs during the breeding season. These songs evolve over time and can be shared across ocean basins.
Conservation
Humpback whales were heavily depleted by commercial whaling. Most populations have recovered substantially since the end of commercial whaling and the species is listed as Least Concern overall, though some regional populations remain endangered or threatened. Current concerns include entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, noise pollution, and the effects of climate change on prey distribution.
Their recovery is one of the more notable successes in marine mammal conservation.