Breaching Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Tongass National Forest, Inside Passage, Alaska, USA - Fotografía de stock

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12-16 m (39-52 ft.) and weigh about 36, 000 kg (79, 000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers. Males produce a complex song lasting 10 to 20 minutes, which they repeat for hours at a time. Its purpose is not clear, though it may have a role in mating.