8 Interesting Whale Facts
- Thomas Nelson
- August 28, 2020
- Animals, Nature
- 0 Comments
Whales are truly some of the world’s most stunning creatures. They can grow massive or be relatively small. How much do you know about whales? What is a baby whale called? Here are a few whale facts to help turn you into a whale expert.
Whale facts
What is a baby whale called?
Most baby animals have a specific name. Baby dogs are called pups or puppies, baby foxes are called kits, and in the case of whales, baby whales are called calves! Other animals, including cattle, elephants, camels, and giraffes also give birth to calves.
Blue whales are the biggest animals – ever
We know that large animals have roamed the earth at different points in history, but scientists think that today’s living blue whales are the biggest animals to ever call the Earth home. They can grow in excess of 90 feet long and weigh the same as 24 elephants!
Killer whales are actually called Orcas
The term “killer whale” is a little bit of a misnomer for the Orca whale. In reality, killer whales are typically docile, intelligent, and highly sociable creatures. Don’t give Orcas a bad rap with this killer whale nonsense!
Beluga whales are flexible
Of all the whales currently alive, Beluga whales have the most flexible necks. They are able to turn their heads at greater angle than any other whale. They are also highly communicative, earning the nickname “canaries of the sea” for their various clicks, chirps, and whistles they use to talk to one another.
Gray whales are long-distance travelers
Many types of whale migrate to different parts of the world’s oceans during different times of the year, but gray whales have the longest migration. Their migration sees them travel 10,000 miles total round trip.
Male humpback whales love to sing
Each winter, male humpback whales sing some of the most complex songs of any whale species. When they reach their winter breeding grounds, the male humpback will sing songs that last as long as 20 minutes and can be heard for miles around.
Read: 10 weird animal facts you’ll be glad you know
Humpback whales fast most of the year
Have you ever fasted for a few days? Try 7 months! On average, the humpback whale won’t eat for approximately half the year, choosing instead to live off of stores of fat they’ve built up during the other half of the year
Blue whales have seen their numbers dwindle
At the height of their rein in the seas, blue whales numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Today, due to human activities and the exploitation of these whales, there are only approximately 3,000 left.
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