The beluga whale has the scientific name Delphinapterus
leucas which means “white dolphin without wings”. It is certainly related to
the dolphins, it is milky white in colour, and it lacks a dorsal fin, which
makes it easier to swim underneath floating ice.
Beluga whales inhabit the northern Arctic Ocean where they are
found close to icebergs, feeding on crabs, squid, shrimps and fish. In turn,
young belugas are prey for polar bears and belugas of all ages are taken by
killer whales (orcas).
Belugas have stout bodies, small beaks and prominent
foreheads. They are unusual among whales in being able to nod and shake their
heads.
Belugas have been termed “sea canaries” because of the
variety of sounds they emit, including chirps, squeaks and whistles.
Belugas are social and swim in groups of up to twenty
members led by a single male. However, during migrations the groups can become
thousands strong.
Young belugas begin life coloured dark or pinky grey. They
only gain their adult whiteness after five or more years.
© John Welford
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