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Humpback whales are a type of baleen whale known for their distinctive long pectoral fins, which can be up to one-third of their body length. They are found in oceans all around the world and are famous for their complex and haunting songs, which can be heard for miles and play an important role in mating rituals. Humpback whales are filter feeders, using their baleen plates to strain large volumes of water for krill and small fish. They are a species of marine mammal, belonging to the family Balaenopteridae, which also includes other large whale species such as blue whales and fin whales. As members of the larger group of dolphins, humpback whales share many characteristics with smaller cetaceans, including a streamlined body shape, a blowhole for breathing, and a layer of blubber for insulation. Within the broader category of mammals, humpback whales are characterized by their live birth and milk production, as well as their warm-bloodedness and hair (although humpback whales have very little hair). In the animal kingdom, humpback whales occupy a unique niche as one of the largest and most majestic creatures on earth.