Photo of a Humpback Whale Tail Throw

Photo of a Humpback Whale Tail Throw, Natural History Photography Blog

Photo of a Humpback Whale Tail Throw

Filed under: Hawaii, Humpback Whale, Photo of the Day, Wildlife on 12/2/2007

Here we see a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) peforming a tail throw, also known as a peduncle throw or tail lob. While at the surface, the whale pivots around its long pectoral fins, suddenly flicking its powerful fluke and peducle out of the water while dipping its rostrum. This behaviour typically occurs among groups of surface active humpback whales in which males are socializing and (presumably) competing for access to a female in their midst. Often the female whale is the one performing tail throws, but it is seen in primary and challenging escorts as well.

Humpback whale performing a peduncle throw at the surface, swinging its fluke (tail) sideways and flinging water all over., Megaptera novaeangliae, Copyright Phillip Colla / HWRF, image #00182, all rights reserved worldwide. This photograph was taken during Hawaii Whale Research Foundation research activities conducted under NOAA/NMFS and State of Hawaii permit. Its use is subject to certain restrictions. Please contact the photographer for more information.

Humpback whale performing a peduncle throw at the surface, swinging its fluke (tail) sideways and flinging water all over. Maui, Hawaii, USA.
Image: 00182
Species: Megaptera novaeangliae
Location: Maui, Hawaii, USA
See usage restrictions

This photograph was taken during Hawaii Whale Research Foundation research activities conducted under provisions of NOAA / NMFS and State of Hawaii scientific research permits.

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Updated: February 10, 2012