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humpback whale: Quick Facts

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Last updated

News •

Humpback whale found dead was struck by B.C. Ferries vessel: DFO • Oct. 27, 2026, 10:08 PM ET (CBC)
DFO searching for injured whale struck by B.C. Ferries vessel in Howe Sound • Oct. 19, 2026, 5:09 PM ET (CBC)

Facts

Also Known As Megaptera novaeangliae • Megaptera nodosa

Photos and Videos

Illustration of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) shown in profile, with a human swimmer and an elephant included for size comparison. Measurement bars indicate a whale length of 14 meters, or 46 feet.
World map showing the breeding grounds and migration routes of the humpback whale. Breeding grounds are marked with blue shaded circles in tropical and subtropical waters near Central America, the South Pacific, western Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Black arrows indicate migration routes stretching between these breeding areas and feeding grounds in higher latitudes near the poles.
breaching humpback
A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaches above the ocean surface near Tofino, with misty mountains and forested coastline in the background.
humpback whale
Humpback whale surfacing, showing blowholes.
Experience a humpback whale watching tour in Queensland's Hervey Bay as the whales migrate from Antarctica to warmer waters of Australia
Listen to a humpback whale pod communicate via underwater “songs”
Studying humpback whales in the South Pacific
Visit Rurutu, French Polynesia, and watch humpback whales
Humpback whales: Size, behavior, and threats
See All Videos, Images and Audio →

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