Identifying a gray whale

We identify the gray whales in a number of ways. Of the whales we see every season 99% of them are gray whales. Other key factors are behavior patterns and physical aspects.

The blow of the gray whale is commonly referred to as heart shaped. This is because the blow hole consists of two valves. This is true of all baleen whales, but it especially in the gray whale. This photography was taken from the side, so it is difficult to see the heart shape.

The gray whale does not have a dorsal fin, but rather this sort of "knuckle" ridge. Most other whales have a dorsal fin, or if they have no fin, they do not have they "knuckles".

The flukes, or the tail of the gray whale is slightly different than other whales.

This behavior where the whale sticks its nose our of the water is known as a "spy hop". This is a common behavior for the gray whales in the lagoons of Baja, and is occasionally seen from our view point. One other physical aspect of the gray whale can be seen in this picture, and that is the barnacles and the lice.

One of the more exciting behaviors is referred to as a breach. This is where the whale propels most of its body out of the water and then comes crashing back into the water. This is not a common sight as they migrate past us, but it is exciting.

All the pictures on this page where taken by Bob on our many trips to the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico

Last Revised: 2/4/03