Beluga facts for kids

Beluga is a word that can mean a few different things! It's often used to describe a special kind of white whale. But it can also refer to a type of fish, a giant airplane, a submarine, or even a small town in Alaska. Let's explore what each of these "Belugas" are!

What is a Beluga Whale?

The Beluga whale is a very unique type of whale. It's famous for its bright white skin when it's an adult. These whales are mammals, just like humans, and they live in the ocean.

Where Do Beluga Whales Live?

Beluga whales love cold water! They live in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. This means you can find them in the chilly waters around places like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. They often stay near ice, but they can also be found in rivers and shallow coastal areas.

What Do Beluga Whales Eat?

Belugas are carnivores, which means they eat meat. Their diet mostly includes fish, squid, and crabs. They use their strong teeth to grab their prey. They are also known to hunt in groups, which helps them catch more food.

Special Facts About Beluga Whales

Beluga whales are sometimes called "sea canaries" because they make many different sounds. They use clicks, whistles, and chirps to talk to each other. They also have a special, soft forehead called a "melon" that helps them make these sounds and navigate. Unlike most whales, their necks are very flexible, allowing them to turn their heads from side to side.

Are Beluga Whales Endangered?

Currently, the Beluga whale is listed as "Near Threatened." This means their numbers are decreasing, and they could become endangered if we don't protect them. Threats include climate change, pollution, and hunting. Many groups are working to keep these amazing whales safe.

What is a Beluga Sturgeon?

The Beluga sturgeon is a very large and ancient type of fish. It's known for living a long time, sometimes over 100 years! These fish are often found in the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.

Why is Beluga Sturgeon Famous?

The Beluga sturgeon is most famous for its eggs, which are called Beluga caviar. Caviar is considered a special food. Because of the high demand for caviar, these fish have been overfished for many years.

Is the Beluga Sturgeon Endangered?

Yes, sadly, the Beluga sturgeon is now "Critically Endangered." This means there are very few left in the wild. Strict rules are in place to try and protect them and help their populations recover.

What is an Airbus Beluga?

The Airbus Beluga is a giant cargo airplane. It's named "Beluga" because its shape looks a lot like the head of a Beluga whale! It has a very large, bulging upper fuselage.

What Does the Airbus Beluga Do?

This huge plane is used to transport large parts of other airplanes. For example, it carries wings or parts of the fuselage from one factory to another. It's a vital part of how Airbus builds its passenger jets. The first version, the BelugaST, started flying in 1995. A newer, even bigger version, the BelugaXL, began operations in 2020.

What is a Beluga Class Submarine?

The Beluga class submarine refers to a type of submarine used by the Russian Navy. These submarines are smaller than many other types and are mainly used for research and testing new technologies. They are not designed for combat.

What is Beluga, Alaska?

Beluga, Alaska is a small community located in the United States. It's a very remote place, meaning it's far away from big cities.

What is in Beluga, Alaska?

The main feature of Beluga, Alaska, is a large power plant. This plant helps provide electricity to parts of Alaska. The community itself is quite small, with only a few people living there permanently.