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Humpback whales are fascinating animals. We have assembled a number of interesting facts for your use. Below are just a few. Our humpback whale discovery cards provide much more information along with photos and illustrations.

Scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae (large-winged New Englander)

Adult length: 45 feet (14 meters)

Adult weight: 40 tons (80,000 lbs)

Adult's daily diet: 800 pounds

Tail (flukes) width: 15 feet (4.5 m)

Pectoral fin length: 15 feet (4.5 m)

Calf's daily diet: 120 gallons of milk

Length at birth: 12 feet (3.6 meters)

Weight at birth: 2 tons (4,000 lbs)

Humpbacks are distinguished from other large whales primarily by their very long pectoral fins that are about one-third of their body length. They also have a flat head with golf ball size bumps called tubercles and commonly raise their flukes when diving.