Story: Whales

Humpback breaching

Humpbacks are often seen leaping out of the water (breaching) and clowning around. They are also known for the complex and varied nature of their songs. Listen to a humpback whale singing. It is almost certainly a male – only males are known to sing. The crackling sounds are snapping shrimps.

Humpback whale recorded by Steve Dawson, Marine Science Department, University of Otago, 16 August 2003, Vava'u, Tonga.

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New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust
Photograph by Steve Dawson

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Whales - Humpback whale', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/natural-sounds/7089/humpback-breaching (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006