er species
of cetacean.

Distribution

Belugas have been reported from the Arctic Circle south as far as
eastern Connecticut, typically in estuarine habitats, though they do
range into oceanic regions. They are most abundant from the north shore
of the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward. They remain near the Arctic
Circle and in Hudson Bay to northern Greenland during winter,
undertaking migrations to the south in autumn, straggling to the
Maritime Provinces and as far as Connecticut. Belugas are regularly seen
in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers throughout late spring and
summer. Return migrations to the north take place in spring.

A small population in the estuary of St. Lawrence is resident throughout
the year.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded belugas are unlikely to be confused with any other species of
cetaceans. The all-white coloration, the robust body shape with a rather
small head and a distinct neck region, and the presence of 8-11 teeth in
each of the upper jaws and 8-9 in each of the lower jaws permit positive
identification.

[Illustration: Figure 108.--A group of three belugas surfacing to
breathe off northwestern Alaska. The animal to the right has just begun
to exhale, the middle animal is in the midst of his inhalation, and the
animal on the left has completed his blow and is preparing to dive. Note
the all-white coloration and, on the center animal, the small dorsal
ridge just emerging from the water. Details of the dorsal ridge are
clearly visible in the inset photograph. (_Photos by G. C. Ray and K. G.
Hewlett (inset)._)]

[Illustration: Figure 109.--Note the robust form and the small head of
this swimming beluga off northwestern Alaska. (_Photo by G. C. Ray._)]

[Illustration: Figure 110.--Captive belugas at Vancouver public
aquarium. Note the dorsal ridge, the shape of the head and body, and the
unusually shaped flippers. (_Photo by K. C. Balcomb._)]

[Illustration: Figure 111.--Ventral view of a beluga harpooned in the
northeastern Canadian Eskimo Fishery. Note the very narrow tail, just in
front of the flukes, and the robust form of the species. Belugas have
8-9 teeth in each of the lower jaws, and 8-11 in each of the upper jaws.
(_Photo by P. F. Brodie._)]

NARWHAL (T)

_Monodon monoceros_ Linnaeus 1758

Other Common Names

Unicorn whale (historical name not currently in use).

Description

The narwhal, also known as the unicorn whale because of the long tusk
fo