This web page is modified from the book Marine Mammals of Alaska by Kate Wynne, illustrated by Pieter Folkens, available at the Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore. Females larger than males. Bowed lower lips enfold narrow, arching rostrum. Flippers broad and spatulate. Predominantly black, some white patches on belly.
Vocalization is variety of moans and burps.
Blow once per 1-2 min. Max dive is 15 min. Mostly temperate and subpolar waters. Calving may occur in shallow bays and coastal waters. Uncertain but probably breed in winter-spring at low latitudes and calve the following winter after gestation of 12 months.