The beluga whale (/ bɪˈluːɡə /; [4] Delphinapterus leucas) is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is one of two living members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus Delphinapterus.

Beluga whales have adapted to live in the cold waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic. Like bowhead whales and narwhals, beluga whales are only found in the Arctic. There are 21 beluga whale populations across the Arctic. Through satellite transmitters, scientists have recorded belugas regularly diving 300–600m deep, often to the sea floor.

Beluga whales are extremely sociable mammals that live, hunt and migrate together in pods, ranging from a few individuals to hundreds of whales. They are sometimes also called white whales, as well as Indigenous names, including Sisuaq by …

Jan 31, 2025 · Beluga, a small, toothed whale found mainly in the coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas but also in rivers and deep offshore waters. It is an extremely vocal cetacean and thus has also been referred to as the ‘canary of the sea.’

Beluga whales are also culturally important to indigenous communities in the Arctic. Like polar bears, the beluga depends on sea ice for its existence and can be directly impacted by climate change. Thousands of years of evolution have prepared Arctic species like the polar bear, walrus and beluga for life on and around the sea ice.

Nov 27, 2024 · Beluga whales are known for their white color and range of vocal sounds, earning them the title of "canary of the sea." They are very social animals, forming groups to hunt, migrate, and interact with each other. Beluga whales are found globally throughout the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters.

Jan 7, 2025 · Beluga whales choose cold waters and are widely distributed across the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. In the Arctic, they are commonly found in locations such as Hudson Bay and the St. Lawrence River in Canada, as well as Cook Inlet and the Bering Sea in Alaska. They are also abundant in Greenland and Russia.

Beluga whales have a set of particular anatomical, behavioural and physiological adaptations that allow them to survive successfully.

Jul 26, 2023 · The beluga whale is found in Arctic and subarctic waters, and has a number of adaptations for living in this cold, inhospitable environment. On this page is a complete guide to this distinctive Arctic whale.

Discover more about beluga whale behaviours – how they communicate with each other, feed and mate in the Arctic Ocean. Communication: How do beluga whales communicate? Beluga whales are known as the canaries of the sea.