Humpback Whales - Majestic Giants of the Ocean
February is Humpback Whale Awareness Month, making it a great time to take a closer look at these incredible creatures and explore what makes them so fascinating.
Humpback whales, or Megaptera novaeangliae, are among the most remarkable animals in the ocean. These gentle giants can be found in oceans all around the world and they're a favourite of whale watchers, known for their playful breaches and splashes as they move through the water. But what is it about humpbacks that draws so many people in? Is it their size? Their beautiful songs? Or maybe it's their incredible ability to travel vast distances each year, often with surprising accuracy?
The Humpback Whale’s Size: Bigger Than You Think!
So, just how big is a humpback whale? To give you a sense of scale: they can grow between 14 and 17 metres long and weigh about 36,000 kilograms. That’s roughly the length of a school bus and the weight of around six elephants! Their pectoral fins can grow up to 5 metres long, and their tail fins (or flukes) can be as wide as a car. These large tail fins help them move through the water with power and precision.
Despite their size, humpbacks glide through the water with surprising grace. Watching one of these giants move effortlessly beneath the surface is an experience that’s sure to stay with you for a long time.
The Humpback Whale Song: A Symphony of the Sea
Have you ever wondered why humpback whales sing? It’s not just for fun—researchers believe they use their songs to communicate with each other. These songs can travel for hundreds of kilometres, meaning a humpback can be "heard" by others in the ocean from far away. And if you happen to be in the water near a ‘singer,’ you might even feel the vibrations of the song through your body.
Humpback whale songs are still a bit of a mystery. Male humpbacks are known to sing long, complex songs that can last up to 33 minutes, and they can repeat these songs for hours. Scientists think these songs might help males attract mates during breeding season, or they could serve a social function. Either way, the sound is truly one of the most beautiful and haunting you’ll ever hear. Researchers are even using artificial intelligence to try to better understand whale communication, which could open up new ways to connect with these creatures in the future. If you're interested in learning more, check out the fascinating book How To Speak Whale by wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill, or read this article from National Geographic about whale culture.
What Do Humpback Whales Eat?
Despite their massive size, humpback whales are filter feeders, meaning they mainly eat small marine creatures like krill and small fish. During feeding season, they travel to colder regions like the Arctic or Antarctic. This is another reason why these delicate areas need to be protected. Humpbacks feed by gulping huge mouthfuls of water, then using their baleen plates to filter out the food. They can eat up to 4,500 kilograms of food a day—more than some villages consume in a whole month!
While their food is small, their appetite is huge. Humpbacks are known for their “lunge feeding,” where they take in a massive mouthful of water and food in one go. It’s like an ocean buffet every day!
Humpback Whale Speed: A Surprising Burst of Power
Even though humpback whales are enormous, they can move pretty fast when they need to. They can swim at speeds of up to 27 km/h, which is impressive for such a large animal. When migrating or feeding, though, they prefer a more relaxed pace of around 5 to 10 km/h. But if they need to pick up the speed, they’re capable of quick bursts that will leave you in awe.
Humpback Whales Are Social Creatures
One of the most interesting things about humpback whales is how social they are. They often travel in groups, or pods, and their interactions are surprisingly complex. Humpbacks have been seen helping each other when feeding and communicating through their songs. They’re not as solitary as they might seem—many humpbacks form long-lasting bonds, sometimes even with members of other pods.
It’s a reminder that even the largest animals on Earth can form deep, emotional connections. Despite their size, humpbacks are social and empathetic creatures who often show remarkable cooperation.
Why Are Humpback Whales So Fascinating?
Humpback whales are much more than just big animals that swim in the ocean. They’re a symbol of the wonder and mystery of our planet’s oceans. Their songs, their size, and their incredible migrations have captivated people for centuries. These whales are survivors, but they’re also highly evolved, social creatures that continue to astound us with every new discovery.
They remind us of the power of nature and the marvels of the animal kingdom. While humpbacks have made an impressive recovery since the days of whaling, they still face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, harassment from boats, and underwater noise. Despite being some of the loudest creatures in the sea, they still need our help to ensure their future.
Humpback Whales: An Integral Part of Our Ecosystem
Humpback whales aren’t just incredible creatures to watch—they’re also vital to the health of our oceans. Their presence plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. By feeding on krill and small fish, they help regulate these populations, keeping the ocean’s food web in check. And when they migrate, they contribute nutrients to different parts of the ocean, supporting various marine species along the way.
But humpbacks do more than just feed and travel—they play a part in fighting climate change. Their size and movements help absorb and store carbon in the ocean, making them key players in the carbon cycle. Every whale in the ocean is an important piece of the puzzle that helps the entire ecosystem stay healthy and vibrant.
How You Can Help Protect Humpback Whales
If you’ve been lucky enough to see these majestic animals in the wild, there are ways you can give back to their protection and conservation. For example, did you know you can help scientists track humpback whales? By uploading your photos to platforms like HappyWhale, you contribute to a global effort to monitor whale populations and study their behaviour. Each photo you share could help researchers identify individual whales, learn more about their migrations, and contribute to conservation efforts.
You can also support organisations that work tirelessly to protect whales and other marine life. Consider making a donation to the Paul Watson Foundation, which is dedicated to safeguarding the lives of whales. Your support helps fund critical conservation efforts and campaigns to stop illegal whaling and protect marine ecosystems around the world.
In addition to supporting research or making a donation, another simple way to help is by choosing ethical whale watching and whale swim experiences. When booking your next whale adventure, make sure the company you choose follows responsible guidelines to avoid disturbing these animals and their habitats. And, encourage others to do the same—spreading awareness about safe and sustainable whale encounters in tourism is one small yet powerful step toward protecting these magnificent creatures.
There’s so much more to discover about humpback whales, and with all the ongoing research, we’ll excited to continue to learn more about them.