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Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Photo by CynthiaMHori
Published on Project Noah
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22.8648, -109.929

Field Notes

Description:

a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 metres (39–52 ft) and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is an acrobatic animal, often breaching and slapping the water. Males produce a complex song, which lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is repeated for hours at a time. The purpose of the song is not yet clear, although it appears to have a role in mating.

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Photographed
PublishedApril 28, 2011

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