Every year up and down the east coast of Australia between April and November each year thousands of Humpback whales travel to mate and breed. During summer the Humpback whales go to the antarctic to feed on krill and migrate north to sub-tropical waters where they mate and then give birth to their calves. Along their journey tourists and whale watchers are treated to an awesome acrobatic display in the Pacific ocean waters. Their epic journey covers around 10,000 kilometres.

 

Humpback Whale - scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae

Apart from their enourmous size Humpback whales have fingerprint like patterns on the underside of thier tails that is unique to each whale. These patterns are black and white and also include scars. These markings are documented by researchers and called photo identification. Their flippers are very long and up to one-third of the body length and partially white on the top side. The top of their body is either black or dark grey with a white underside.

Interesting Humpback Whale Facts

• They can weigh up to 6 times the weight of an elephant
• The average birth size of their calf is 2000 kilograms
• The birth length of the calf is 4 - 5 metres
• They travel at speeds up to 8 kph
• Humpbacks sing songs that can be heard hundreds of kilometres away

Humpback Whale Mating and Breeding

During their migration the young males lead the pack. Whilst, the pregnant cows bring up the rear.

Humpback Whale Population Australia

Since 1986 continual yearly increases have brought the Humpback whale population up to an estimated 14,552.

What Do Humpback Whales Eat

Humpback whales like to eat and feed on shrimp-like crustaceans, krill and small fish. They strain enormous volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates, which act like a sieve.

Brydes Whale watching Sydney