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- Where to Watch in the UK
- Regional Groups
- Species Identification
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Species Identification Guide
Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
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Length:
2.6m/8.6ft (newborn); 6.9-8.5m/22.8-28.0ft (adult).
Head and Beak:
Minke Whales are slender with a pointed triangular head and single central ridge.
Fin and Markings:
The Minke Whale has a relatively tall dorsal fin, sickle-shaped and situated nearly two-thirds along back. Head & body dark grey to black but with grey areas on flanks and diagonal white band on flippers.
ID:
Inconspicuous (often unseen) vertical blow 2-3m high almost simultaneous with fin, before relatively arched roll. Minke Whales can be confused with Sei Whale and Northern Bottlenose Whale unless head shape or flippers seen.
Status and Distribution:
The Minke Whale is widely distributed in relatively small numbers along the Atlantic seaboard of Europe mainly from Norway south to France, and in the northern North Sea. Minke Whales are mainly seen in coastal waters from May to October
View detailed distribution maps
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Media
Download Minke Whale movie
Download Minke Whale sounds