Humpback whales spend summers in Antarctica. In late fall, they head towards warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean to breed and have their babies, which are also known as calves. Many people enjoy whale watching, and because the humpback whale has such a long migration route (about 5,000 km), they are spotted often. People love to watch humpback whales because they are known to leap out of the water and spin in the air with their pectoral fins stretched out like wings. Humpback whales are also known for their songs.
The male humpback whales’ songs can travel great distances through the water — sometimes more than a hundred miles away. The songs can last for hours and are often quite complex. While the songs don’t sound very much like the music that people produce, they are beautiful and include recognizable patterns of squeaks and grunts. So far, scientists have only recorded the male humpback whales singing, and it is only in warm water that the whales make these serenades.
While the male humpback whales are likely looking for a mate when they spend hours singing, many people find the songs of the whales relaxing. Some people play recordings of whales singing to help themselves relax and/or fall asleep and even use them as ringtones!
Check out a recording of humpback whale songs at www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo2bVbDtiX8#aid=P8pbcjnh4Zw & www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtOUJLu5Wmo
