Belugas, or Delphinapterus Leucas, are an arctic species.
Belugas are found in arctic and subarctic waters along the northern coasts of Canada, Alaska, Russia, Norway and Greenland.
It is estimated that between 72,000 and 144,000 belugas live in Canadian waters, with over 3,000 beluga whales coming into the Churchill River every July and August.
The common name “beluga” means “the white one” in Russian. In reality, only adults are white; calves are born brown or dark grey and gradually pale to become totally white between six and eight years of age.
Adult males are larger than females. Newborn calves measure about 1.5 metres (5 feet) and weigh 50 to 80 kilograms (110 to 174 lbs) at birth.
Unlike larger whales, which trap huge quantities of tiny crustaceans in grills called baleens suspended from the roof of the whale’s mouth, belugas feed on fish and invertebrates using their teeth.
Beluga whales are capable of frequent dives to depths of 400 to 800 metres (1,300 to 2,600 feet) to capture their prey.
A beluga whale consumes approximately 27 kilograms (60 lbs) of food per day.
Often referred to as “sea canaries”, researchers have identified 16 types of beluga vocalizations.
Gestation lasts about 14 months and births occur between the end of June to early August in the warm waters of estuaries, including the Churchill River.
The lengthy gestation period, followed by a nursing period of some 18 months, results in females only being able to produce young approximately every 3 years.
BELUGAS BIRDS & BLOOMS FACTS
Belugas are found in arctic and subarctic waters along the northern
coasts of Canada, Alaska, Russia, Norway and Greenland.
