Identification.
The Minke Whale has a slender, streamlined body with a pointed rostrum which is bisected by a single longitudinal ridge beginning in front of the blow-holes. The upperparts are dark grey, lightening to white on the belly and the underside of the flippers. A distinctive feature, although not often conspicuous in the field, is a diagonal white band on the upper surface of the flipper. The dorsal fin is tall and quite falcate and placed about two-thirds along the back. Minke Whales have an inconspicuous vertical blow, which is produced almost simultaneously with the appearance of the dorsal fin. When diving, they do not normally raise their tail flukes clear of the surface.

Similar Species.
Confusion is most likely with the larger rorquals, particularly Sei and Fin Whales. However the much smaller size and lack of a tall blow should distinguish it from these species. If poorly seen, Minke Whale may be confused with beaked whales, which are similar in size and shape although the pointed rostrum with a central ridge of Minke is diagnostic.  Beaked whales tend to occur in much deeper waters than Minke Whales, although location alone should not be used to identify this species.

Behaviour.
Minke Whales are usually solitary animals, sometimes seen in pairs or small groups, but rarely in larger aggregations. They can be very elusive and hard to follow when feeding actively. They are often quite inquisitive, occasionally approaching passing ships and turning on their sides as they swim past or lifting their heads clear of the surface. Breaching is regularly recorded, particularly during periods of rough weather.

Status and Distribution.
Minke Whales have a world-wide distribution, but they appear to be more common in cooler waters then in the tropics. They are frequently seen during the summer and autumn in coastal waters around the British Isles, the Faroes, Iceland and western Norway.

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