Mammals of the WorldBeluga
Delphinapterus leucas
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Monodontidae
- Genus
- Delphinapterus
- IUCN status
- LC
- Distribution
- Canada|Greenland|Russia|Norway|Belgium?|Denmark?|France?|Germany?|Iceland?|Ireland?|Japan?|Netherlands?|Sweden?|United Kingdom?|United States?
- Realm
- Marine
Other names: Sea Canary|White Whale
About this species
- Size
- About 3–5m
- Weight
- Up to about 1.5 tonnes
- Diet
- Fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans
- Habitat
- Arctic and subarctic coastal waters
The beluga is a medium-sized toothed whale recognized by its white adult colour, rounded forehead and lack of a dorsal fin. Calves are born dark grey and lighten gradually with age. The neck vertebrae are not fused, allowing the head to turn more freely than in most whales. Adults measure roughly 3–5m and can weigh about 1.5 tonnes (NOAA Fisheries species account).
Belugas inhabit Arctic and subarctic coastal waters, estuaries and offshore seas. They are highly vocal, using whistles, chirps, clicks and other sounds for communication and echolocation. Their varied diet includes fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans. Many populations migrate seasonally between winter ice areas and summer bays or river mouths, while pods may range from a few animals to large aggregations (NOAA Fisheries species account).
Description: Wildlife of Japan guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)