Humpbacks are basically black or gray, with a white region on the throat and belly. The flukes are broad and shaped like a butterfly. They frequently have serrations and other irregularities on the rear margin and can be partially or completely white. The dorsal fin can vary in size and shape, and frequently includes a step or hump. Humpbacks are often found alone or in small groups, but will form bigger groups to breed and feed.
Humpbacks migrate seasonally, spending the summer in high latitudes and the winter in low latitudes.
This species is the most acrobatic of the great whales. They frequently breech, leaping clear of the water. Although humpbacks are not commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico, there have been occasional reports of the whales being sighted here. The whale was followed for almost a half hour before the researchers lost sight of it. Humpbacks are currently protected, but the recovery of this species from whaling has been extremely slow.