Common Names
- Humpback Whale (en)
- Gubarta (es)
- Baleine à Bosse (fr)
- Buckelwal (de)
Taxonomy
- Artiodactyla
- Cetacea
- Balaenopteridae
- Megaptera novaeangliae
Humpback Whale - Megaptera novaeangliae
The humpback whale is a species found in all oceans, migrating up to 25'000 km each year. Humpbacks feed in polar waters and mate and give birth in tropical and subtropical waters.
Videos Behavioral Traits
- Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec
Published Dec 31, 2021 - Duration [06:17] - Views 268 - Likes 2 - Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Flapping Pectoral Fin on Surface
Published Sep 10, 2021 - Duration [00:29] - Views 986 - Likes 2 - Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Showing Fluke before Diving
Published Aug 24, 2021 - Duration [00:16] - Views 21748 - Likes 68
Where & When to Spot
I saw them on a boat trip near Tadoussac in the middle of Saint Lawrence River, and frequently from the beach along the coast near St. John's, NL where they can get pretty close to the beach.
How to Identify
If lucky, I see them breaching the water surface and with a glimpse on their long, uniquely shaped, thin pectoral fins they are easy to identify. Also, the way how they jump and fall back is a good clue. If they surface only to breath, the small dorsal fins and the characteristic display of the tail fin are hints.
Photos
Humpback Whale Flapping Pectoral Fin
Rarely seen so close. Flapping pectoral fin on the water.
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - 2021-08-25
NIKON Z 6; NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S; Focal Length 135mm; Exposure 1/2500; Aperture f/20; Iso 2000;
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale about to dive showing fluke
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - 2021-08-23
NIKON Z 6; NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S; Focal Length 200mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f/18; Iso 640;
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale showing its fluke shortly before diving.
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - 2021-08-23
NIKON Z 6; NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S; Focal Length 200mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f/18; Iso 640;
Fluke of a Humpback Whale
Individual Humpback Whales are identified based on the pattern on lower side of the fluke.
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - 2021-08-23
NIKON Z 6; NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S; Focal Length 200mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f/18; Iso 640;
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Cape Spear, St, John’s - 2017-08-19
NIKON D500; TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f6.3; Iso 360;
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Cape Spear, St, John’s - 2017-08-19
NIKON D500; TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f6.3; Iso 250;
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Quidi Vidi Harbour - 2017-08-12
NIKON D500; TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f6.3; Iso 200;
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Quidi Vidi Harbour - 2017-08-12
NIKON D500; TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f6.3; Iso 250;
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
First sighting of a Humpback whale. Showing its fluke before diving for food.
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - 2013-08-19
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS; 4.3-215mm; Focal Length 148mm; Exposure 1/160; Aperture f5.6; Iso 100;
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