- How to Watch
- Where to Watch in the UK
- Regional Groups
- Species Identification
- Recommended Boat Operators in the UK
- Sea Watch Surveys
- Marine Code of Conduct
- If you find a stranding
Species Identification Guide
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
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Length:
4.1m/13.5ft (newborn); 11.5-15.0m/37.9-49.5ft (adult).
Head and Beak:
Humpback Whales are slender with a flattened top covered by fleshy tubercles (lumps) with rounded knob near tip of lower jaw. Single central ridge is inconspicuous.
Fin and Markings:
The Humpback Whale dorsal fin is variable in size & shape from small triangular knob to larger sickle-shaped, situated nearly two-thirds along back. Head & body black or grey, white on throat and belly; very long flippers (white undersides).
ID:
Broad bushy vertical blow 2.5-3.0m high; often arched roll and broad, distinctly-notched and irregularly-edged tail flukes (with partial white undersides) thrown into air. The Humpback Whale head, front side of flippers, and tail flukes are often infested
Status and Distribution:
Humpback Whales are rare, in Atlantic waters of Europe, from Iceland & Norway south to South-west Ireland. In coastal North European waters, mainly April - September, but some sightings extend to mid-winter (December and January).
View detailed distribution maps
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Media
Download Humpback Whale movie
Download Humpback Whale sounds