In The Company of Whales
Hawaii,
the beginning of life
Humpback whales are found in all of the world's oceans, although they
generally prefer near shore and near-island habitats for both feeding
and breeding. A large percentage of the North Pacific migrate to the
main Hawaiian islands during the winter months, November through May,
each year. The round-trip distance they travel during this annual
migration is approximately 6,000 miles, one of the longest migration
distances of any animal species. During their stay in Hawaii, they
do not feed, but rely upon stored energy. Near the islands, the whales
devote most of their time to mating and giving birth to their calves.
While visiting the islands, humpbacks have become renowned for their
various acrobatic displays.
Blow
or Spout
When a whale dives, air is compressed in its lungs. Upon reaching
the surface, the air is exhaled through the whale's blowholes. The
exhaled air expands, causing the temperature to decrease, thereby
condensing into water vapor. The blow is quite visible and can reach
heights of 20 feet. In concert with the blow is the sound of rushing
air that can be heard up to 800 feet away. The blow of a humpback
whale is unique to each animal and a great way to distinguish between
types of whales. On average, adult humpback whales take a breath every
ten to fifteen minutes, but can remain submerged for as long as forty-five
minutes. Calves must rise to the surface every three to five minutes
to breathe.
Round Out or Peduncle Arch
When preparing for a deep dive, humpbacks will arch (hump) their back
and raise their tail flukes above water. It is this pronounced arching
of the back that has earned the humpback whale its common name.
Pec Slap
The humpback's pectoral fin is longer than that of all other species
of whales, measuring one-third the whale's body length, or approximately
twelve to fifteen feet. Humpbacks will often roll onto their side
or back and slowly slap the water's surface with one fin or both fins
simultaneously. The slapping of fins may serve as a communication
signal to other whales.
Head Rise
A whale slowly rises vertically toward the surface, poking its head
out of the water to below its eyes. Some believe this behavior allows
the humpback whale to get a better look at activity going on above
the surface. [Photo courtesy of: Joe Mobley]
Tail
Slap
A tail slap consists of a whale raising its tail flukes out of water
and slapping them forcefully on the surface of the water. When the
flukes hit the water, a loud resonant noise can be heard for miles.
Humpback whales are known to repeat this behavior over and over. This
behavior may serve as a warning to others in the vicinity.
Peduncle Slap (or Lobtail)
An aggressive display where the humpback whale will thrash the surface
of the water by whipping its upraised flukes from side to side. Humpbacks
will slap the surface of the water as a warning signal to others or
bash other whales during aggressive competition.
Breach
A powerful acrobatic display where the humpback uses its tail to launch
itself out of the water. With just a few pumps of its tail, the humpback
can propel its entire body into the air, landing back onto the surface
with a resounding splash. The purpose of this spectacular behavior
is still unknown. Some serves as a form of communication, or maybe
just a form of playful activity for the humpback.
More humpback
whale pics here...
