Observations on the birth of a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Several white adult beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) were observed to act together with a mother and calf. Underwater sound recordings, group behaviour, and calf appearance and behaviour strongly suggest that the birth had occurred during the observation period. Grey juveniles associated with the group remained at a distance during the whole event. The birth occurred in July during the presumed peak calving season, in a main channel of the St. Lawrence Estuary, home to an endangered population of belugas.