The Dolphin Institute - Dolphin Research Summaries

(C) 1994 University of Hawaii

Five aerial behaviors exhibited by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia) (Borowski, 1781) on the Hawaiian breeding grounds are examined for their frequency, occurrence and function. The behaviors are: breach, pectoral fin slap, fluke slap, head slap, and peduncle slap. These behaviors are of interest for two reasons. First, they appear to require a large expenditure of energy at a time when energy is expected to be a critical resource and possibly a limiting factor in reproduction. Second, they result in a large amount of underwater noise which may carry several kilometers. Many functions for these behaviors have been proposed including excitement, arousal, social mimicry, play and communication (Herman & Tavolga, 1980; Whitehead, 1985). Proposed functions of possible communication include to maintain spacing, maintenance of acoustic contact, agonism, including indication of fitness and threat, and to accentuate other communication. In this study shore-based behavioral observations are analyzed to determine possible functions of aerial behaviors on the wintering grounds as indicated by the social context during which aerial behaviors occur. The results indicate that social context can be a reliable predictor of likelihood of exhibition of aerial behavior. Breach rate and fluke slap rate were strongly represented within mother and calf pods and the exhibition diminished with increasing pod size in calf pods. Pectoral fin slaps showed a positive trend with increasing pod size in non-calf pods, and were under-represented in calf pods. Head slaps were exhibited most strongly by mother and calf pods. Peduncle slap rates were highest for two-adult pods without calf and one-adult pods with and without calf. Further, evidence is presented that aerial behaviors are associated with social change, and possibly also have a communicative component. Restricting genital access is proposed as a function of pectoral fin slaps and tail slaps when exhibited by females.

Coleman, R.J. (1994). Aerial Behavior of the Hawaiian Humpback Whale. Unpublished master's thesis, University of Hawaii, Honolulu

Back to Top

Dolphin Programs | Whale Programs | Education Programs | Our Research | Resource Guide