The killer whale is the only species known to attack and eat humpback whales always juveniles. Every year, humpback whales undergo incredible migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. They feed near the poles and give birth in the tropics, and each year, individual humpback whales travel as much as sixteen thousand miles 25, km between these two areas. Humpback whales only eat in their winter feeding grounds and live off fat reserves for the rest of the year, including while migrating.
During the height of commercial whaling, the humpback whale was hunted almost to extinction. Fortunately, the humpback whale has recovered remarkably well, and populations continue to increase. Now, this great whale has come all the way back from the brink of extinction to be considered a species of least concern. Humpback whales grow up to 60 feet Humpback whales have some of the longest migrations of any mammal with some populations swimming 5, miles 8, km between breeding and feeding grounds.
Populations that migrate between Alaska and Hawaii can complete the 3,mile 4, km trip in just 36 days. The purpose of the hairs is not known, but it is thought that they may be motion detectors. Humpbacks are black on the upper dorsal side and mottled black and white on the under ventral side.
Ventral pleats run from the tip of the lower jaw to the belly, according to the ACS. They have a dorsal fin on their backs. The shape and color pattern on the dorsal fin and flukes is unique to each individual, like human fingerprints. That discovery has helped researchers identify, catalog and monitor humpback whale migration, population size, sexual maturity and behavior patterns. Humpbacks roam all over the world, but exactly where they may be found depends on the time of year.
During the winter, they swim to the warm waters closer to the Equator, around Hawaii, South America and Africa. The exception is the humpbacks that live in the Arabian Sea. They stay there year-round, eating and mating all in the same area, according to the ACS. Humpbacks typically travel alone or in small groups , called pods, consisting of two or three whales, according to Whale Facts.
When together, they communicate with each other and travel together, and moms and their young even touch fins as a possible sign of endearment. Sometimes they even help each other hunt. They can travel around 3, miles 5, kilometers between their breeding and feeding grounds on a regular basis. The longest ever recorded migration was 11, miles 18, km , a trip that went from American Samoa to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Humpbacks often propel themselves above the water and then splash back down, according to National Geographic. This is called breaching. Some scientists think that they may do this to splash off parasites, but they may just do it because it's fun.
They also slap the water with their tails or flippers, according to the NOAA. These behaviors may be used to communicate with one another. They may also be used to show dominance and health during mating season, according to Whale Facts.
Humpback whales are known for their haunting songs, which are complex sequences of moans, howls and cries that often continue for hours, according to National Geographic. Only male whales sing, so scientists think they are trying to attract potential mates. A male may sing for hours, repeating the song several times. All males in a population sing the same song, but the songs of each population are different. Songs gradually change from year to year.
A small dorsal fin is located about two-thirds back on the whale's body and the tail can grow to be 18 feet 5.
Humpback whales travel in pods, or groups, of 2 - 15 individuals. Often these groups are temporary, meaning they stay together for only a short amount of time. The only exception to this is the mother and newborn calf relationship.
Mothers usually stay with their babies for about one year. Humpback whales are famous for their playful and acrobatic behavior. Humpback whales can often be seen breeching, leaping and flipper-slapping in the surface waters. The purpose of this behavior is not known but some theories suggest this behavior may be used in communication and mating. Humpback whales are also known for the amazing "songs" they produce underwater.
These songs are made up of complex sounds, very similar to a musical piece. The exact purpose of the humpback's songs is unknown. Some believe humpbacks sing to attract females, protect their territory or communicate. An adult humpback whale's dive usually lasts about 10 - 15 minutes in length. They can hold their breath for 45 minutes or longer but dives of this length are not common. Breeding and Reproduction. A humpback becomes sexually mature between 4 and 8 years of age.
The whales mate during the winter months in warm waters. A female is pregnant approximately months before she gives birth to a single baby calf. The calf lives off of its mother's milk, drinking up to pounds 45 kg a day for a period of 5 to 7 months. The baby will stay by its mother's side for up to a year. A female usually bears one calf every 2 or 3 years.
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