Learn about:
Beluga Whales
Called the "canaries of the sea" because of their bird-like singing, beluga whales are some of the most distinctive whales in the oceans: their bright white bodies and giant foreheads really stand out! These friendly whales are popular in aquariums due to their friendliness and intelligence. In the wild, they live in cold Arctic waters and love swimming together in groups.
7 amazing facts about beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas):
- Belugas have a squishy forehead called a melon. That giant forehead, called a melon, helps belugas focus sounds for echolocation. Belugas can even change the shape of their melon to make different sounds or facial expressions.
- Belugas are very social whales. They often swim together in of hundreds of whales at once. These social gatherings help them stay safe against predators and they communicate through clicks, chirps, whistles, and squeaks.
- Belugas live in cold Arctic waters. A thick layer of blubber keeps them warm in freezing temperatures. They can even swim for long distances under sea ice. But, like all whales, they need to return to the surface to breath.
- They can "see" underwater using echolocation. Using their big 'melons,' belugas send out clicking sounds and listen for echoes that bounce back. This helps them find fish to eat, avoid ice and predators, and navigate murky waters.
- Belugas have small, peg-like teeth. They use their teeth to grab slippery prey like fish and squid. Instead of chewing, they usually swallow their food whole.
- Belugas are curious and playful. They’re often seen playing with objects in aquariums, and come up to swim near boats. They've even been observed blowing bubbles. Their curiosity and friendliness make them favorites of aquarium visitors.
- Beluga whales are born gray, not white. Baby belugas start life as dark gray or brown, which helps them blend into the ocean. As they grow older, they slowly turn white.
Click a spot to learn more about beluga whales:
Quite a melon!
That giant forehead, called a melon, is pretty useful! By squeezing their melon in different ways, belugas can change how air moves through their heads, creating different sounds like whistles, clicks, and chirps. No wonder belugas are called the "canaries of the sea," they sure make a lot of noise!
Built for the sea ice
Unlike many whales, belugas don’t have a tall dorsal fin! Scientists believe this makes it easier for them to swim under sea ice and squeeze through tight spaces. Their flexible, torpedo-shaped bodies help them turn, twist, and navigate the water with ease!
Belugas wear a thick layer of blubber like a built-in winter coat.
This blubbery layer helps keep belugas warm in freezing Arctic waters. Blubber also stores energy when food is hard to find. Beluga blubber is so important that it can make up almost half of their body weight!
Say CHEESE!
Belugas are capable of a whole range of facial expressions. They have great smiles! This is because the bones in a beluga's neck aren't fused and allow for more flexibility than many other whales. In addition to great smiles, this extra flexibility helps them grab slippery fish!
Flippers built for speed
Belugas have relatively small flippers compared to their body size. Their shorter fins help them move easily through tight spaces under sea ice. Instead of speed, beluga fins are built for steering and turning, making them super agile.
Baby Beluga!
Baby belugas, called calfs, are born weighing almost 100 pounds and measuring 5 feet long.
