The "canary of the sea" — belugas vocalize so much underwater that they're among the loudest cetaceans. Their flexible necks (rare in cetaceans) and forward-facing melon make their facial expressions readable.

Also called: Beluga, White Whale

Native status: Native to Arctic seas

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 3.5–5.5 m (11.5–18 ft)
Weight1,300–1,900 kg (2,900–4,200 lb)
LifespanWild 50–80 years
OrderCetacea
FamilyMonodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The beluga whale, is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is one of two living members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus Delphinapterus. It is also known as the white whale, as it is the only cetacean to regularly occur with this colour; the sea canary, due to its high-pitched calls; and the melonhead, though that more commonly refers to the melon-headed whale, which is an oceanic dolphin.

Source: Wikipedia — Beluga whale Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive cetacean — pure white in adults, gray in juveniles. Rounded forehead ("melon") containing complex echolocation organ.

Similar species. Narwhal (males have tusk). Other Arctic cetaceans.

Voice. Extraordinarily vocal — bells, whistles, clicks. Among the most musical mammals.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, squid, crustaceans, bottom invertebrates.

Behavior. Lives in pods of 10–25 individuals. Famous for vocalizations — sometimes called "sea canaries." Migrates with sea ice changes.

§ Range

Arctic and subarctic waters; isolated population in Cook Inlet, Alaska is endangered

§ Habitat

Cold coastal waters, river estuaries, sea-ice edges

§ Threats

Industrial development in the Arctic, contaminant accumulation, climate-driven loss of sea ice, vessel strikes in narrow channels.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the beluga whale is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Arctic conservation policy. Reduce mercury in your seafood. Donate to Cook Inlet beluga research.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • Vancouver Aquarium
  • IUCN Red List 2017