h Institute, courtesy of H. Omura._)]

Medium-sized Whales With a Dorsal Fin

MINKE WHALE (B)

_Balaenoptera acutorostrata_ Lacepede 1804

Other Common Names

Little piked whale, lesser rorqual, little firmer, sharp-headed finner,
grampus (Newfoundland), gibord (Quebec).

Description

Minke whales are the smallest baleen whale species in the northern
hemisphere, reaching maximum lengths of just over 30 feet (9.1 m). One
of the most distinctive features of this species is an extremely narrow,
pointed, distinctly triangular rostrum with a single head ridge, similar
to but much sharper than that of the fin whale (hence the common name
"sharp-headed finner"). Minke whales have a tall, falcate dorsal fin
located in the latter third of the back, in about the same position as
that of the sei whale, which often becomes visible simultaneously with
the low, usually inconspicuous blow.

Minke whales are black to dark gray on the back and white on the belly
and on the underside of the flippers. Portions of the underside of the
flukes may be steel bluish gray. They have a diagonal band of white on
each flipper, the extent and orientation of which varies individually.

Like the fin whale, minke whales (at least from the Pacific) sometimes
have a chevron on the back behind the head and often have two regions of
lightish-gray coloration on each side--one just above and behind the
flippers; another just in front of and below the dorsal fin. These
patches may be quite conspicuous on some animals, indetectable on
others. These markings may also be present on Atlantic specimens, though
they have not yet been documented. The baleen, which may be visible from
close range when the animal is feeding, is mostly yellowish white with
fine white bristles. The posterior plates (up to half) may be brown to
black.

Natural History Notes

Minke whales are frequently found as single animals, pairs, or trios,
though they may congregate in areas of food concentration in the
northern seas during the spring and summer. They are more likely to be
seen up close than their larger cousins--the blue, fin, and sei
whales--because they often closely approach boats, particularly
stationary boats, as if curious about them.

Minke whales may also approach very close to shore and often enter bays,
inlets, and estuaries.

Like fin whales, they often arch the tail stock high into the air when
beginning a long dive. However, they do no