H919
Humpback Whale
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ID number
H919
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Sex
Unknown
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Year of birth
Unknown
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Known Since
2018
Distinctive traits
Its tail is almost completely black with only a few scattered small white dots.
Life history
Following the recovery of the humpback whale population in the St. Lawrence, more and more individuals are being observed each year. Since this one is new to the Estuary, there is still much to learn about it. If it ever becomes accustomed to the area, it could even eventually get a name. So, if you see a humpback whale, keep your eyes open: it might be H919!
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news from the publications Portrait de baleines
H919’s completely black tail fin has been the cause of much debate during recent observation sessions of its diving behavior: is the individual moving away or closer? Within the humpback whale population that frequents the St. Lawrence, very few individuals have a tail of a single color. This part of the body generally features white and black pigmentation, the pattern of which varies according to genetics and the scars that are added over time. Uniformity of color is often reserved for the dorsal side of the caudal fin. All the confusion about its behavior was justified, because when H919 dives, it’s hard to know which direction it’s heading!
It was a few small white markings on its caudal fin – including two new ones from this year – that identified H919. Its hooked dorsal fin, reminiscent of Gaspar’s (H626), also gave a good clue to its identity. First photographed in the estuary in 2019, H919 has been seen every year since. So the next time a completely black tail is seen in the estuary, there’s a good chance it’s H919!