Species Identification Guide

Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis)

Sei Whale
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Length:
4.4m/14.5ft (newborn); 13.6-14.5m/44.9-47.8ft (adult).

Head and Beak:
The Sei Whale has a V-shaped head with single central ridge.


Fin and Markings:
Almost erect 25-60cm high dorsal fin, strongly sickle-shaped, and situated nearly two-thirds along back. Head & body generally all dark steely back.

ID:
Vertical bushy blow 3m high, simultaneous with fin, before shallow roll. The Sei Whale dorsal fin intermediate in relative size and curvature between minke whale and northern bottlenose whale.

Distribution map for Sei Whale
Map Key

Status and Distribution:
The Sei Whale is rare, in deep Atlantic waters from Iceland and Norway south to the Iberian Peninsula. In coastal waters, mainly recorded June to December.
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Sei Whale
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Media
Download Sei Whale movie
No audio available at this time

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