Feeding

• Humpback whales are baleen whales, meaning that the whales have string-like strainers instead of teeth. As such, humpbacks maintain a diet of krill, plankton and small fish. Humpback whales do not strain feed, like most baleen whales. Instead, humpback whales are constantly eating on the swim and gulping large amounts of these small crustaceans. Humpbacks have interesting group hunting methods as well. The lead whale will blow bubbles that force krill and plankton to the surface. The whales then chase and eat the large amounts of food.
  
  

Surface Activities

• Humpbacks are very acrobatic whales. Humpbacks breach, or jump over the surface of the water and land with a slap. Scientists speculate that this is done to rid the skin of parasites, simply for play or as a social tactic. Some humpbacks also poke their heads out of the water for a short amount of time. Humpbacks will also lobtail, or slap a fin or tail against the surface of the water. Though the reason is unknown, some believe it is a signal or warning to other whales.
  
  

Migration

• Humpback whales have extended periods of migration. The whales move to warmer, tropical seas in the winter to mate. During the summer, the whales travel back to colder waters in northern seas where they will nurse their young. Whales have a speed of about three to nine miles per hour when migrating, and manage over 1,000 miles per month during migration periods. The trip covers over 3,100 miles from the northern polar seas to tropical seas.
  
  

Vocalization

• Several species of whales sing songs, and humpback whales are no exception. Humpback whales are also the most varied and imaginative with their songs. As opposed to most whale songs consisting of eerie, howl-like noises, humpback whales also incorporate squeaks, clicks, and grunts. Humpback whale songs are also the largest in frequency, ranging anywhere from 20 to 9,000 hertz. Oddly enough, only the males have been recorded as singing the songs. Complex songs are more common in warm waters while shorter sounds are used in colder waters. Some believe that cold water songs may be used for hunting food while warm water songs may be used for mating.