Unraveling the Mystery of Whale Tail Sailing: Behaviors and Explanations

Whales, magnificent creatures of the ocean, continue to fascinate and surprise us with their intriguing behaviors. One such behavior, known as “tail sailing,” has captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and scientists. Recently, Brodie Moss had a breathtaking encounter with a humpback whale engaged in tail sailing, and he shared the awe-inspiring moment on his social media channels.

Tail sailing, a rare phenomenon, is observed in both southern right whales and humpbacks. However, the exact reasons behind this behavior remain unknown to researchers. While Moss did not disclose the location of his encounter, his video captured the majestic sight of a humpback whale’s tail gracefully resting above the water’s surface.

One possible explanation for tail sailing is that it is related to the presence of female whales with their calves. The behavior may serve as a way for the mother whale to rest while keeping a watchful eye on her calf. Although nursing is believed to be a part of this behavior, it can occur in various positions, suggesting that it may serve multiple purposes.

Whales are known to engage in unique resting behaviors, such as sleeping upright in the water. Hence, the upright tail position during tail sailing could be linked to these resting behaviors. This theory aligns with the idea that the mother whale takes the opportunity to rest while still being able to provide nourishment to her calf.

Another hypothesis suggests that tail sailing helps whales cool down. Whale tails have a high concentration of blood vessels, allowing for evaporative cooling when held above the water. While this behavior typically lasts about 15 minutes, there are reports of it lasting much longer, even for several hours.

Furthermore, tail slapping, or “lobtailing,” is a common behavior among whales. It is believed to serve as a form of communication between individuals. Whether it is warning off aggressive males or creating confusion among prey species, the purpose of these tail slaps remains a subject of debate.

As scientists continue to study and unravel the secrets of whale behavior, watching these majestic creatures engage in tail sailing reminds us of the wonders of the natural world. The encounter captured Brodie Moss serves as a testament to the beauty and mysteriousness of these impressive marine creatures.

Sources:
– “Explained: The Science Behind ‘Tail-Sailing’ Whales” – Huffington Post