whale

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

killer whale (Orcinus orca)

species of whales

breeding grounds and migration routes of the humpback whale

Humpback whales: Size, behavior, and threats

Explore the Whale Museum and the whales around the San Juan Islands

Beluga, or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas).

breaching humpback

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

For Students

Read Next

A brief history of whaling. infographic, whales

Japan Maneuvers to Skirt Whaling Restrictions

cat. orange and white persian cat with long hair, snarl, growl, teeth

7 Questions About Mammals Answered

Portrait of a mountain gorilla at a short distance. gorilla close up portrait.The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

Falling Stars: 10 of the Most Famous Endangered Species

animal. Amphibian. Frog. Anura. Ranidae. Frog in grass.

Abundant Animals: The Most Numerous Organisms in the World

Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri).

14 Questions About Aquatic Animals Answered

Discover

Queen Elizabeth II addresses at opening of Parliament. (Date unknown on photo, but may be 1958, the first time the opening of Parliament was filmed.)

All 119 References in “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Explained

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Italian Renaissance painter from Florence. Engraving by Cosomo Colombini (d. 1812) after a Leonardo self portrait. Ca. 1500.

10 Famous Artworks by Leonardo da Vinci

Rainbow flag. Sign of diversity, inclusiveness, hope, yearning. Gay pride flag popularized by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Inspired by Judy Garland singing Over the Rainbow. gay rights, homosexual, gays, LGBT community

13 LGBTQ Writers You Should Read

The impeachment trial of Pres. Andrew Johnson, illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, March 28, 1868.

What If the President Is Impeached?

Cleopatra hieroglyphic carving the Ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Wall of the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt.

What Did Cleopatra Look Like?

pulmonary veins and arteries, circulation, cardiovascular system, human anatomy, (Netter replacement project - SSC)

13 Questions About How the Human Body Works Answered

Salem Witch Trials. Photogravure after the painting by Walter McEwen titled - The Witches - circa 1890s.

How Rye Bread May Have Caused the Salem Witch Trials

whale: Related Content

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

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2025

News •

Satellite tracking of 12,000 marine animals reveals ocean giants are in trouble • June 8, 2025, 7:54 AM ET (ScienceDaily)

Scientists Discover Baby Whales Born 900 Miles From Breeding Grounds • May 29, 2025, 4:08 AM ET (SciTechDaily)

Photos and Videos

killer whale (Orcinus orca)

species of whales

breeding grounds and migration routes of the humpback whale

Beluga, or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas).

breaching humpback

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

Humpback whale surfacing, showing blowholes.

Humpback whales: Size, behavior, and threats

Explore the Whale Museum and the whales around the San Juan Islands

Meet the manta rays, barracudas, sharks, sperm and right whales, and seals in their natural habitat

How whales and dolphins use the sounds they make

Baby beluga whales in Canada

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

baleen whale What Do Whales Eat?Why Do Whales Sing?Do Whales Sleep?toothed whale whaling whale vocalization whale oil whale catcher cetacean dolphin manatee seal A Dose of Dolphin-Induced Dopamine: 8 Species of Adorable Cetacean sea lion sirenian pinniped dugong porpoise walrus

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Key People

Roy Chapman Andrews

Roy Chapman Andrews

American naturalist

Quiz

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Animals, mammals.

Ultimate Animals Quiz

Mute swan with cygnet. (birds)

Match the Baby Animal to Its Mama Quiz

Giraffe standing in grass, Kenya.

Know Your Mammals Quiz

Humpback whale breaching out of the ocean. (sea mammal; ocean mammal)

A Quiz from Shrews to Whales

Lion (panthera leo)

Deadliest Animals Quiz

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris), also called great sea otter, rare, completely marine otter of the northern Pacific, usually found in kelp beds. Floats on back. Looks like sea otter laughing. saltwater otters

Animal Group Names

vulture. An adult bearded vulture at a raptor recovery center. The Gypaetus barbatus also known as the Lammergeier or Lammergeyer, is a bird of prey and considered an Old World vulture.

Animal Factoids

36 Questions from Britannica’s Most Popular Science Quizzes

Young chimpanzee dressed in a shirt and sweater vest, scratching his head thinking. (primates)

Wild Words from the Animal Kingdom Vocabulary Quiz

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

List

cat. orange and white persian cat with long hair, snarl, growl, teeth

7 Questions About Mammals Answered

Portrait of a mountain gorilla at a short distance. gorilla close up portrait.The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

Falling Stars: 10 of the Most Famous Endangered Species

animal. Amphibian. Frog. Anura. Ranidae. Frog in grass.

Abundant Animals: The Most Numerous Organisms in the World

Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri).

14 Questions About Aquatic Animals Answered