The Serenity of Song, Sung by the Humpback Whale

Photo courtesy Kim Camarda

Whale watching is an exuberating experience for Massachusetts tourists and residents alike.  The Humpback whale is such a fascinating mammal to watch for its acrobatic entertainment and singing.  While there are many opportunities available, one of the most popular is Cape Ann in Gloucester, Massachusetts for an awe inspiring sight of these magnificent wonders.

The Humpback Whale is an endangered species with little over 10,000 - 15,000 whales worldwide.  Their colors range from white to grey to black to mottle and these gentle giants grow to 52 feet long, weighing anywhere from 25-50 tons and living approximately 45-50 years.

The amazing mammals frequently perform aerial displays such as breaching (jumping out of the water), and will gracefully swim on their backs with both flippers in the air.  "Tail lobbing" (raising their huge flukes out of the water and slapping them on the surface) and "flipper slapping" (using their flippers to slap the water) are also common behaviors...also important for whale communication. 

This truly magnificent marine mammal travels a great distance to take advantage of the best breeding grounds and feeding spots, and are famous for their singing abilities.  While both males and females can produce sound, only the males appear to produce long, varied, beautiful songs with distinct themes and melodies.  It is believed this is their mating call to advertise their availability to passing females.  The songs last for 10-20 minutes, heard up to 20 miles away and researchers have yet to learn exactly how the whales produce the sounds, as these whales have no vocal cords.  It is assumed they sing by circulating air through the tubes and chambers of their respiratory system for no visible air escapes and their mouths do not move. 

Massachusetts is a chosen favorite to experience the Humpback whale in all of its awe and wonder.

Contributing writer:  Paula Malecki

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