Beluga Whale
Delphinapterus leucas
IUCN: Least ConcernAbout Beluga Whale
Beluga whales are nicknamed 'canaries of the sea' for their extensive vocal repertoire. These distinctive white whales are highly social and known for their flexible necks and expressive faces, which can form what appears to be a smile.
Belugas are one of the most recognizable whale species due to their pure white coloration and rounded foreheads (called a 'melon'). Unlike most whales, belugas can turn their heads and have remarkably flexible bodies. They're among the most vocal of all cetaceans.
🌊 Habitat
Beluga whales are Arctic and sub-Arctic species, inhabiting shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths. They're found in waters off Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Some populations migrate seasonally, while others remain in the same area year-round.
🦐 Diet & Feeding
Belugas are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of fish (salmon, capelin, cod), squid, octopus, crabs, shrimp, and marine worms. They use suction feeding and can prey on bottom-dwelling species thanks to their flexible necks and lips.
🐋 Behavior
Belugas are extremely social and vocal, producing a wide variety of clicks, whistles, and chirps for communication and echolocation. They live in pods that can range from a few individuals to hundreds. Their white color may help them camouflage among Arctic ice.
👶 Reproduction
Females give birth to a single gray calf after a 14-15 month gestation. Calves gradually turn white over 5-8 years as they mature. Mothers nurse their young for about 2 years, and calves may stay with their mother for several more years.
🛡️ Conservation Status
Belugas are listed as Least Concern globally, but some populations are threatened. The Cook Inlet population in Alaska is listed as Endangered with fewer than 300 individuals. Threats include pollution, noise, hunting, climate change, and habitat degradation.
Fun Facts About Beluga Whale
Belugas are called 'canaries of the sea' because of their varied vocalizations
They can change the shape of their melon (forehead) to produce different sounds
Belugas can swim backwards—one of very few whales able to do so
Baby belugas are born gray and gradually turn white over several years
Their necks are so flexible they can turn their heads 90 degrees