Humpback Whale "Na Pali Explorer" April 5 2013
Migrating Humpback whales are still in the the local waters near the Na Pali Coast
The migration cycle includes the Na Pali Coast from December to May.
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of
baleen whale. One of the larger
rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 metres (39–52 ft) and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for
breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectorals, it is popular with
whale watchers off Australia, New Zealand, South America, Canada, and the United States.
Males produce a complex
song lasting 10 to 20 minutes, which they repeat for hours at a time. Its purpose is not clear, though it may have a role in mating.
Found in
oceans and
seas around the world, humpback whales typically
migrate up to 25,000 kilometres (16,000 mi) each year. Humpbacks feed only in summer, in
polar waters, and migrate to
tropical or
subtropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter. During the winter, humpbacks
fast and live off their
fat reserves. Their diet consists mostly of
krill and small
fish. Humpbacks have a diverse repertoire of feeding methods, including the bubble net feeding technique.
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