Description
The Humpback or Hump-backed Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
At birth a calf weights one to two tons and its adult weight will be from 25-30 tons. A typical adult length will be about 33 feet. Humpbacks are the most energetic of all the large Balaenopteridae family of whales. These large mammals are known for their spectacular breaching and lobtailing. They flipper snap and are known to lie on their back holding one or both flippers in the air. They are slow swimmers and though they’ve been known to make dives lasting up to 45 minutes they usually make three to nine minute ones. Three to eight 15 to 30 second blows follow these dives. Once plentiful they are now classified as rare. Within the Humpback are pictured:
Razorbill auks (Alca torda)
These birds are the largest of the auk family, just under 16 inches long with an average weight of from one to four pounds They nest in high treacherous seaside cliffs above the ocean in huge colonies for safety from their predators, which include polar bears, crows, falcons and gulls. They mate for life and both sexes share in the incubation and feeding of the young. These auks only come to land to breed and nest. The birds pictured in the lower part of the top whale are lined up to drop off the cliffs into the ocean where they live. The top black part of this Humpback is an auk in flight.
Razorbills are the closest relative to the Great Auk which became extinct in 1844 due to over hunting.
