Why do humpback whales breach?
This behavior can be observed by all baleen whales, however the humpback whales are considered to be the acrobats in the family. They screw their body to two thirds or more out of the water, like turning on their own axle. With their powerful fluke they only need a few beats to screw themselves out of the water. One can observe such jumps mainly in the breeding areas, also in the waters of Hawaii! Therefore, it is assumed that this is a breeding behavior. Scientists also suppose this is a way to communicate or to get rid of parasites. No matter why they do it, it is an overwhelming spectacle!
