Biologist reveals how whales may ‘sing’ for their supper

Humpback whales have a trick when it comes to finding a quick snack at the bottom of the ocean, even in the dark. Biologists have been studying these unique feeding behaviors. Her research emphasizes the importance of specific auditory cues that these mammoth creatures emit, as they search the deep ocean for their prey. The investigation revealed that whales make “tick-tock” noises while hunting together at night in deep, pitch-black water, but are silent when hunting alone. Their main prey is the sand lance eel-like fish known to bury themselves in the sand of the ocean floor. Researcher suggests that whales’ vocal sounds may help flush the sand lance out of hiding to where they’re scooped up and eaten. The clock-like sounds created by whales may also serve as a dinner bell of sorts for other nearby whales during late-night feedings. Hints of behavior suggest that other whales who overhear the sounds are attracted to them and may eavesdrop on other whales hunting for food.