Frequently Asked Questions About Humpback Whales

The complex lives of humpback whales inspire a great deal of curiosity. Here are answers to a few common questions that arise when people first learn about these giants of the deep.

Why do humpback whales breach?

The true reason why humpback whales breach is likely a combination of factors, and the answer may change depending on the context. Scientists have several leading theories. It could be a form of non-vocal communication, as the massive splash creates a sound that travels a great distance underwater. It may also be a way to dislodge parasites, like barnacles and whale lice, from their skin. In other situations, it might be a display of fitness or dominance during social interactions. And sometimes, particularly with younger whales, it might simply be a form of play.

How long do humpback whales live?

Determining the lifespan of wild whales is challenging, but based on studies of earwax plugs and photo-identification records, scientists estimate that the average lifespan of a humpback whale is between 45 and 50 years. However, there is evidence to suggest that some individuals may live much longer, potentially reaching 80 or even 90 years of age under ideal conditions.

What do humpback whales eat?

Humpback whales are carnivores, but their diet consists of very small prey. In their cold-water feeding grounds, they primarily eat krill (tiny shrimp-like crustaceans), plankton, and small schooling fish such as herring, capelin, sand lance, and mackerel. They are seasonal feeders, consuming massive quantities of food during the summer months to build up their blubber reserves. During their winter stay in the warm breeding grounds, they fast, eating very little or nothing at all.