humpback whale

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Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

breaching humpback

breeding grounds and migration routes of the humpback whale

Listen to a humpback whale pod communicate via underwater “songs”

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching the ocean surface near Tofino, B.C., Can.

Studying humpback whales in the South Pacific

Visit Rurutu, French Polynesia, and watch humpback whales

Humpback whales: Size, behavior, and threats

Experience a humpback whale watching tour in Queensland's Hervey Bay as the whales migrate from Antarctica to warmer waters of Australia

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humpback whale: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025

News •

Rescue mission launched for distressed humpback whale near Sydney Harbour • June 9, 2025, 6:34 AM ET (South China Morning Post)

Humpback whales are giving birth outside breeding grounds • May 27, 2025, 1:42 AM ET (EarthSky)

N.L. using artificial intelligence to track and tell stories of humpback whales • May 24, 2025, 3:44 AM ET (CBC)

Facts

Also Known As	Megaptera nodosa • Megaptera novaeangliae

Photos and Videos

breaching humpback

breeding grounds and migration routes of the humpback whale

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching the ocean surface near Tofino, B.C., Can.

Humpback whale surfacing, showing blowholes.

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

Experience a humpback whale watching tour in Queensland's Hervey Bay as the whales migrate from Antarctica to warmer waters of Australia

See All Videos, Images and Audio →

Topics

bubblenetting

Quiz

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Animal Group Names

The cheetah is the fastest land animal over short distances. It has become an endangered species in Africa, and is almost extinct in Asia. Cheetah mother with young. Cheetah cubs

Moms of the Animal Kingdom Quiz

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Wild Words from the Animal Kingdom Vocabulary Quiz

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Moms of the Animal Kingdom Quiz

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Match the Baby Animal to Its Mama Quiz

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Animal Factoids

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List

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