The most obvious humpback behaviour is that which occurs above water. We do not know why Humpbacks behave in some of these ways and little is known of their underwater behaviour pattern or how these relate to the more obvious above water patterns.

...breach

A Humpback's grace and vigour is well demonstrated with the breach. Propelling most of its body from the water, the whale then turns to crash spectacularly onto the water.

...pectoral slap

Humpbacks come to the surface and show their pectoral fins lying on the water to slap one or both fins.

...the blow

Look for a blow when whale watching. Adult Humpbacks have two lungs, each the size of a small car. As it surfaces, the whale exhales forcefully through two blowholes on top of its head. A distinctive cloud of vapour condensation is formed. Unlike the drawings of ancient map makers, the whale does not blow a stream of water.

...spy hop

Cetaceans use many senses for orientation and navigation, one of which is vision. A Humpback will rise almost straight out of the water so its eyes are just clear of the water, before slipping back into its aquatic world.

...tail slap

While submerged near vertically, a Humpback can slap its flukes on the surface of the water. Possibly a threat signal, tail slapping moight continue for long periods of time.

...songs

Humpback Whales produce the longest and most varied 'songs' in the animal world. Their intricate vocalisations range from high squeaks to low, guttural growls. Songs are produced by moving air back and forth through body passages.

While all whales vocalise, only males are believed to sing. The song might function as a sexual display, advertising the presence of a breeding male and keeping a family group together.

Analysis shows the sounds produced are organised into long sequences. Each sequence normally lasts 10-15 minutes and can be repeated without a pause for hours.

Whale song is heard in Hervey Bay. Sequences are arranged into cycles characteristic of a particular whale population. Songs evolve a little over time but every change is eventually incorporated into the current sequence.

These haunting sounds can travel kilometres under water and can be heard above the surface through the hulls of vessels.