Humpback Whale Sounds

What sound does a humpback whale make?

Male humpback whales sing the longest, most complex songs in the animal kingdom — haunting sequences of moans, cries, and rumbles that can last 30 minutes and repeat for hours. Their songs travel enormous distances underwater, sometimes hundreds of kilometres.

Most amazingly, humpback songs are shared culture: all the males in an ocean region sing the same song, and when the song slowly changes, everyone learns the new version. Humpbacks also grunt, bark, and blast trumpet-like calls while feeding together.

About the Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are large marine mammals known for their haunting songs and acrobatic breaches. These gentle giants can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons. Humpbacks are baleen whales, filtering small fish and krill from the water using their baleen plates. They are found in oceans worldwide and undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling up to 16,000 miles annually. Humpback whales are known for their complex vocalizations, often referred to as songs, which can last for hours and are believed to play a role in mating rituals. Their population has rebounded significantly since the ban on commercial whaling, making them a conservation success story.

Humpback Whale questions

What sound does a humpback whale make?

Humpbacks sing — long, structured songs of moans, cries, and rumbles lasting up to 30 minutes, plus social grunts and feeding calls.

Why do humpback whales sing?

Only males sing, mostly in breeding season, so the song likely helps attract mates or signal to other males. Whole populations share and slowly update the same song.