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20 Maui Whale Watch Magazine • WhaleWatchingOnMaui.com HUMPBACK BEHAVIOR Photo by Marty Wolff A curious humpback sneaking a peek! sometimes for up to a minute or longer. In this situation, the purpose of their behavior is very clear: they're checking things out with their eyes (which, by the way, are about the size of grapefruits). Spyhopping often occurs during a "mugging," when the whale becomes focused on the boat and makes it impossible for the captain to leave due to the 100 yard law. These "muggings" are what everyone hopes for on a whale watch. Other behaviors such as peduncle and tail throws, head lunges, and bubbling (see our Humpback Whale Behavior Guide on page 20), have all been clearly confirmed by scientists as being aggressive in nature. Once again, where some behavioral studies result in clear answers, others, like research surrounding the study of whale songs, don't provide sufficient data to have one single answer. Although it's known that most of the documented singing occurs during the breeding season, males are the only ones singing. All whales in one population sing the same song, and singing generally stops when one whale joins the singer; the reasons for the song is still unknown. Hypotheses range from the idea that songs are sung to attract females, to ward off or demonstrate status to other males, or as a geographic location indicator for other whales. The truth is, until we're able to directly communicate with the amazing humpbacks, the reason why they breach, spyhop, and sing will in all likelihood, remain a mystery. Hawaiian Culture Ocean & Land Ecology Educational Guided Tours SNORKEL KAYAK Responsible Eco-Tourism Plenty of Sea-life! We offer small group kayak & snorkel tours plus private paddle boarding for all ages and abilities that will lead you to some of the hidden jewels of Maui. Years of experience and 5 star customer service is what you get when you book a trip with Aloha Kayaks Maui! For Reservations & Information Call (808) 270-3318 Toll-free: (866) 308-9361 BOOK ONLINE & SAVE AlohaKayaksMaui.com & PADDLE BOARD PER COUPLE USE CODE: WHALE SAVE $ 15 SPECIAL OFFER!