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Whale Galleries Physical Characteristics Oregon Summer Residents Migration Diett
Physical Characterisitics Of Gray Whales
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The most conspicuous identifying characteristics of gray whales are their size, distinctive mottled gray coloring, dorsal hump (no dorsal fin) and the knuckles along the back behind the dorsal hump.
Size: Gray whales range in size from 35 to 45 feet long, and weigh 30 to 40 tons—about the length of a school bus and the weight of ten elephants. Females are about 5 feet longer than the males. Gray whales are intermediate in size compared to other well-known whales. In comparison, blue whales are 80 to 100 feet long and orcas (killer whales) are 20-25 feet long.
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Coloration. Gray whales are so called because of their mottled gray coloration.
The natural pigmentation can range from almost black to almost white, and can include white spots that range from the size of a marble to a basketball. This mottled appearance is enhanced by barnacles, barnacle scars, and whale lice.
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Rostrum (Head Region). The rostrum extends from the tip of the snout to the blowholes, a length of about six feet. The rostrum of adult gray whales is covered with barnacles and whale lice. Gray whales that feed on the bottom, rub off barnacles on a specific side. Most gray whales are right rostrumed, feeding on the right side, but a few are left rostrumed.
Young gray whales have a dimpled rostrum with one hair in each dimple. As the whale ages, the dimples and hairs become less prominent due to increased blubber thickness. |
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To Contact Whale Research EcoExcursions call 541-912-6734, or visit Carrrie Newell in Depoe Bay, Oregon, Dock #3.
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