Here we find the filter-feeding whales. These species do not have teeth but rather comb-like baleen structures that hang from the upper part of the mouth. Used to filter and trap food, they are made of keratin, the same material as our hair and nails. The Bowhead Whale has the longest baleen of the group that can reach 13 feet.

Some species of this group have visible throat grooves in the lower part of the mouth that allows it to expand, and taking, in a single gulp, enormous amounts of water into their mouths. The water is then expelled through the baleen while the food is trapped inside the mouth.

They produce a large variety of sounds, including the famous Humpback Whale songs, used to communicate with others or to attract mates.

Within the 4 families of baleen whales there are species with several sizes, like the giant Blue Whale to the Pygmy Right Whale, with little less than 20 feet.