Humpback whale songs linked to dive patterns in new study

Researchers from Syracuse University in New York have established a direct link between the structure of male humpback whales' complex songs and their physical movement during dives, according to a study published in Current Biology. The study, based on fieldwork near Maui from 2018 to 2024, used non-invasive suction-cup tags on 16 males to record acoustic data and movement. Analysis showed whales can sing continuously for up to 16 hours, with specific musical themes performed only during descent, ascent, or at the deepest point of the dive. Researchers believe the songs signal physical endurance and lung capacity to potential mates and rivals, with the highest variability in song performance occurring at maximum depth. The discovery allows for assessing whale position and condition through acoustic monitoring alone, aiding in tracking anthropogenic impacts like shipping noise.