The Collaborative International Dictionary
Humpback whale \Hump"back` whale\, n. the humpback[3].
Wiktionary
n. A species of baleen whale, (taxlink Megaptera novaeangliae species noshow=1).
WordNet
n. large whalebone whale with long flippers noted for arching or humping its back as it dives [syn: humpback, Megaptera novaeangliae]
Wikipedia
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from and weigh about . 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.
Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to each year. Humpbacks feed only in summer, in polar waters, and migrate to tropical or subtropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter when they fast and live off their fat reserves. Their diet consists mostly of krill and small fish. Humpbacks have a diverse repertoire of feeding methods, including the bubble net technique.
Like other large whales, the humpback was a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a 1966 moratorium. While stocks have partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and noise pollution continue to impact the population of 80,000.
Usage examples of "humpback whale".
We were talking about Biophilia and discussing endangered species when Roy mentioned the humpback whale.
A humpback whale across the ocean had heard of her and sent Drummer to find her.
It was like listening to Beethoven, or like trying actually to understand a humpback whale.
Payne has recorded examples of very long songs sung by the humpback whale.
A long black mound was moving in toward the island, and a moment later Franklin saw the typical stubby spout of vapor which identified the humpback whale.
Although he was dwarfed by the hundred-foot blue whale, could not sing like the sweet-voiced humpback whale--both of which fed on plankton--his sort were the largest of the toothed whales, the same majestic breed as Moby Dick.
She got separated from them, mostly on purpose, and was a quarter-mile down the beach from them when, with a rush of water and noisy breath, a forty-foot humpback whale breached right in front of her, ran itself aground-and turned into Nita.