Delphinapterus

/ˌdɛlfɪnˈæptərəs/ noun

Definition

The genus of beluga whales; small Arctic whales known for their white color and intelligence.

Etymology

From Greek delphin- (dolphin) + -apterus (wingless). Scientific Latin genus name created in the 18th century to classify these cetaceans.

Kelly Says

Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are so communicative they're called 'canaries of the sea'—they make hundreds of different sounds to chat with each other, and they can even mimic human speech.

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