Humpback Whale

(Megaptera novaeangliae)

Average size: 14 meters (45 feet) and 27 tonnes (60,000 pounds)

Appearance: Humpback whales are known to have the longest pectoral (side) fins of any whale. Each humpback whale has a unique tail shape and coloration pattern, just like a human fingerprint, so we are able to identify individuals

Worldwide conservation status: Least Concern

U.S. conservation status: Recovering

New York conservation status: Species of Greatest Conservation Need; also see current Unusual Mortality Event

Vocalizations: Males sing long, highly complex and beautiful songs composed of many different sounds as a breeding display. Both males and females communicate with calls such as grunts, groans, snorts, and grumbles