Do All Whales Sing the Same “Song”?

In 1989, oceanographers heard the unusual call of the "52-hertz whale" for the first time, thanks to an array of hydrophone sensors that had recently been declassified by the U.S. Navy. Thought to be a blue whale because of its migration patterns, this whale "sings" at a unique frequency -- 52 hertz. This is a much higher frequency than the call of a typical blue whale (10–39 Hz) or a fin whale (20 Hz). In the years since, the 52-hertz whale has been detected regularly in many locations around the Pacific Ocean. He or she appears to be the only whale emitting a call at this high frequency, earning the nickname “the world's loneliest whale.”

Over the years, this whale has regularly been heard in the Pacific Ocean between August and December, before migrating beyond the range of the hydrophones. The whale travels as far north as the Aleutian and Kodiak Islands, and as far south as the California coast.

The odd whale out?

• At 52 hertz, this whale's sonic signature is just higher than the lowest note on a tuba. The calls have actually deepened slightly over the years and are now about 49 hertz, suggesting that the whale has grown or matured.
• Scientists have been unable to identify the species. Some speculate that it could be malformed, or a hybrid of a blue whale and another species. Others think that the whale could be deaf.
• Some critics reject the notion that the 52-hertz whale can't be understood by “normal” blue whales. “The animal's singing with a lot of the same features of a typical blue whale song,” says Christopher Willes Clark of Cornell University. “He's just odd.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all whale species produce vocalizations?

Not all whale species vocalize in the same way. While many toothed whales (like dolphins and orcas) use echolocation clicks and whistles for communication and navigation, it is primarily the baleen whales, such as humpbacks, that are known for their complex and melodic songs. Each species has distinct vocal patterns and purposes for their sounds.

Are whale songs the same across different populations?

Whale songs can vary significantly between different populations. For instance, humpback whales exhibit unique song patterns that evolve over time and can differ by region. Researchers have found that while a song may start in one population, it can spread to others, indicating a form of cultural transmission among whale groups.

What is the purpose of whale songs?

Whale songs, particularly in species like the humpback whale, are complex vocalizations that serve multiple purposes. They are primarily sung by males during the breeding season, suggesting a role in mating rituals, either to attract females or to deter rival males. Songs may also play a part in social cohesion and navigation.

How do whales learn their songs?

Whales learn their songs through a combination of instinct and social learning. As with birds, there may be a genetic component that predisposes whales to sing certain patterns, but they also learn and modify their songs by listening to and imitating other whales, leading to regional song variations and changes over time.

Can whale songs change over time?

Yes, whale songs can change significantly over time. Humpback whales, for example, are known for their evolving songs. A study published in the journal 'Science' showed that a whale's song can change gradually, but sometimes a population will rapidly adopt a completely new song from neighboring populations, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for cultural evolution.

How far can whale songs travel?

Whale songs can travel impressive distances in the ocean, thanks to the excellent sound-conducting properties of water. Low-frequency sounds produced by whales, such as the blue whale's vocalizations, can travel up to 1,000 miles under ideal conditions. This long-range communication is crucial for whales, which are often dispersed across vast oceanic expanses.