Humpbacks are known as the show-stoppers off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador each summer, but it’s the lowly minke whale that’s been wowing whale watchers of late.

A so-called “pinky minke” has been caught on video in several locations, amazing onlookers.

The whale, or whales, have been feeding vigorously, which leads local whale researcher Dr. Jack Lawson, to speculate that the constant splashing has turned it’s normally white throat a bright pink.

While humpbacks are known for their clownish behaviour, often jumping, flipping and splashing on the surface, Lawson says the smaller minkes tend to be a bit more solitary and quiet.

They’re still curious, says Lawson, and he’s often had minkes approach his boat while he’s been out doing research, but they’re not like the humpbacks which will actively seek out interaction with those on the water.

Lawson says there’s a good reason for the minkes to be a little more secretive.

You could consider them like the “mice of the sea,” says Lawson, as creatures like killer whales and large sharks feed on them, so it pays off for them to be quieter and less gregarious.