Types of Cetaceans

Species Profiles of Baleen and Toothed Whales

The fin whale is the second-largest animal in the world. Its sleek appearance caused sailors to call it the "greyhound of the sea." Fin whales are a streamlined baleen whale and the only animal known to be asymmetrically-colored, as they have a white patch on their lower jaw on their right side, and this is absent on the whale's left side.

The humpback whale is known as the "big-winged New Englander" because it has long pectoral fins, or flippers, and the first humpback scientifically described was in New England waters. Its majestic tail and variety of spectacular behaviors make this whale a favorite of whale watchers. Humpbacks are a medium-sized baleen whale and have a thick blubber layer, making them clumsier in appearance than some of their more streamlined relatives. However, they are still well-known for their spectacular breaching behavior, which involves the whale jumping out of the water. The exact reason for this behavior is still unknown.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered marine mammals, with only about 400 individuals remaining. It was known as the "right" whale to hunt by whalers because of its slow speed, tendency to float when killed, and thick blubber layer. The callosities on the right whale's head help scientists identify and catalog individuals. Right whales spend their summer feeding season in cold, northern latitudes off Canada and New England and their winter breeding season off the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Minke whales are small, but still about 20-30 feet long. They are widely distributed and still hunted in some countries, including Japan, which catches several hundred minke whales each year under a special permit for scientific research purposes.

The beluga whale was called the "sea canary" by sailors because of its distinctive vocalizations, which could sometimes be heard through the hull of a ship. Beluga whales are found in arctic waters and in the St. Lawrence River. The beluga's all-white coloration and rounded forehead makes it distinctive from other species. They are a toothed whale, and find their prey using echolocation. The population of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska is listed as endangered, but other populations are unlisted.