A large column rises high into the air. “Fin whale or blue whale?” asks our Franquelin-based collaborator on the morning of October 1. Impossible to identify the species, as the animal is too far from the coast. Conversely, for an observer perched on a promontory at Portneuf-sur-Mer on October 3, there’s no doubt, the large spouts being blown before her eyes are those of five blue whales, with their characteristic light blue spotted skin. It was thanks to this “coat” that the blue whale seen off Bar Harbor, Maine on September 24 was recognized as female B353. Since 1979, MICS, which fine-tuned the individual identification method based on skin pigmentation patterns, has managed a catalogue of over 400 blue whales for the St. Lawrence.

Blue whale © Jean Lemire
Humpback whale © GREMM

These spouts are testimony to their breathing, which lasts a mere 1-2 seconds. The hot (37°C) air condenses upon contact with the colder outside air and forms a cloud. In addition to the difference in temperature, since the air exhaled is compressed, the difference in pressure between the lungs and the ambient air also causes condensation or vapour. In this mass of expelled air are also water and oil droplets from the upper respiratory tracts or the top of the blowhole. Spout characteristics vary by species according to the latter’s size and the structure of its blowhole, which is tantamount to the whale’s nose and is located on top of its head. The blue whale has a blowhole that measures between 40 and 50 cm in diameter. Powerful muscles are located at the front of the nostrils and form a visible V-shaped bump of flesh. These muscles are connected to two fibrous plugs which are inserted into the nostrils when the muscles are relaxed and prevent water from entering the blowhole. The spout of the blue whale is visible from several kilometres away, and can measure over six metres high. The spout of a humpback is as wide as it is high. This is the clue that tipped off a whale-watching employee from Percé who, on his last cruise of the year, headed to one side of Île Bonaventure to find three humpbacks on October 5.

Seeing these great ones blow is not always enough to identify the species; be careful not to jump conclusions. A number of factors influence the height and shape of the spout such as the wind, light conditions and the humidity of the ambient air. The spout of minke whales, usually inconspicuous, becomes more noticeable in colder temperatures. The height of the spout also depends on the activity of the animal. It will be more discrete when the whale is resting or minimally active, or when its dives are short and close to the surface.

Observation of the Week - 6/10/2015

Marie-Sophie Giroux

Marie-Sophie Giroux joined the GREMM in 2005 until 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a diploma in Environmental Consulting. As Lead Naturalist, she oversees and coordinates the team working at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre and writes for Whales Online and Whale Portraits. She loves to share “whale stories” with visitors to the CIMM and readers alike.

Recommended articles

Blue Whales for the Start of Spring

“Seeing them breath when it’s cold is even more impressive! When we talk about 10 metres high, it’s really 10…

|Observation of the Week 21/3/2024

Gearing Up For Spring

A spring snow squall, minke whales slowly arriving, humpbacks breaching and river otters peering at the camera... The riverbanks were…

|Observation of the Week 14/3/2024

Whales, Belugas and Seals: A Busy Week on the North Shore

There's been plenty of action in the St. Lawrence in these first few days of March! Several belugas were seen…

|Observation of the Week 7/3/2024