Twin Humpback Whales Surface in Spectacular Display of Hunting Prowess

To see one humpback whale breach right in front of you is spectacular enough. To see two is absolutely amazing! Keep scrolling to see the awesome clip of these magnificent sea creatures filmed off the Californian coast.

Watch the Awesome Footage Below

Do Humpback Whales Live in Groups?

Humpback whales are often considered to be solitary creatures but actually, they do interact with each other. They can be seen migrating and feeding in groups and it is now thought that they form complex social bonds.

We are told that the whales here are lunge feeding. This is a method of feeding where the whale consumes a large quantity of prey and water. It involves a high-speed horizontal or vertical movement then the water is expelled from the mouth.

The humpback whale is a baleen whale. They have baleen instead of teeth. These are structures made from keratin (the same substance that human hair is made from) and are basically bristly plates. The number and size of the baleen plates differ in each species of whale. The whale takes in water through their mouth and then forces it out past the baleens. Small creatures such as plankton, krill, and small fish get stuck on the baleen.

In this clip, you get a fantastic view of the humpback’s throat grooves. These allow the mouth and throat to expand as the whale gulps huge mouthfuls of water.

Why Do Whales Breach?

Breaching is when a whale hurls itself out of the water. Several species of whales have been seen doing it but it is most often observed in right whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales. Research has shown that breaching is connected with communication. Bigger splashes make sounds that travel further under the water and are more likely to be picked up by other whales. It is vital that whales can communicate with each other for navigation, feeding, breeding, and social purposes.

However, whales probably also breach for other reasons. It may be for exercise or it may be because they simply enjoy it. Also, it may be useful to stun or scare prey or even to dislodge parasites from the skin.

Whatever its purpose, it is a spectacular sight!