Gray Whale

Grey Whale: A long-range migrant of the North Pacific and Amerasian Arctic

Mottled gray; No dorsal fin, but a low hump followed by a series bumps (knuckles) on dorsal ridge of tail stock

Only whale capable of benthic feeding; also feeds on epi-benthic and planktonic organisms; Wide range of prey including amphipods, cumaceans and other crustaceans, worms; little feeding occurs in the wintering grounds

Size at birth 4.5m (15 feet) and 689kg (1500 pounds); Sexual maturity at 8 years; Females have calves every 2-3 years; Longevity over 40 years; Behavior; Short dives, usually flukes raised before prolonged dive; When feeding on benthic prey, often surfaces with mud streaming from mouth; Small groups, no lasting associations; Fiercely defend themselves and calf against predators/whalers

Shelf & coastal, North Pacific to Chukchi & Beaufort Seas; Migratory: most animals winter in Baja California where calves are born