Canadian wildlife · Drawing 39 of 40
Beluga
In the Arctic
The beluga swims in northern waters and also in the St. Lawrence. This small whale with a rounded forehead surfaces to breathe air above the water.
Did you know?
Young belugas are grey and become paler as they grow.
Look together
Are the young whale and the adult the same size?
An idea to try
Draw a pale adult and a grey youngster swimming in the same direction.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Scientific name: Delphinapterus leucas. Where it lives: Arctic and subarctic waters; one population in the St. Lawrence Estuary. What it eats: Fish and various aquatic animals. Adults are generally white. A mother may swim with a darker calf. Belugas do not have a tall fin standing up on their backs.
Look together: Are the young whale and the adult the same size? Draw a pale adult and a grey youngster swimming in the same direction.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
Simplified drawing for colouring. Coat, feather or skin markings are left white so children can choose their colours. Proportions and details are not a scientific identification plate.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada — The Beluga WhaleYoung-to-adult colour change and species description.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada — Beluga identificationNorthern and St. Lawrence range, diet and appearance.
Source review: 2026-09-30. Illustrations are simplified for colouring.
