Beluga whales are called the “canaries of the sea” because they make so many different sounds—whistles, clicks, chirps, and squawks!
White as Snow
Baby belugas are born light brown or gray, but they turn white as they grow up. Their color helps them blend in with icy Arctic waters.
Squishy Foreheads
Belugas have a big, round, squishy forehead called a melon—and they can change its shape to make sounds!
No Fin, No Problem
Unlike other whales, belugas don’t have a dorsal fin. Instead, they have a dorsal ridge, which helps them swim under and break through ice.
Beluga Whale Quiz
What makes the beluga whale different from most other whales?
Beluga whales are special because they have a flexible neck, which lets them turn their head left and right—something most whales can’t do. It helps them look around in the icy Arctic!
What nickname is the beluga whale known by?
Belugas are called ‘Canaries of the Sea’ because of their wide range of vocal sounds.
What helps beluga whales change the shape of their head to make sounds?
The beluga’s melon is a soft, rounded forehead that changes shape to help produce different vocalizations.
What color are baby beluga whales when they are born?
Beluga calves are born gray or light brown and turn white as they grow older.
What helps beluga whales move under Arctic ice?
Belugas lack a dorsal fin and instead have a low dorsal ridge that helps them swim just beneath Arctic ice and push up through thin layers.