Tail sailing refers to the action of whales lifting their tails clear of the water for long periods of time.[1] The process is rarely observed by humans, and the precise motivation for this phenomenon is unknown.[2] It is thought that whales either undertake this activity to catch the wind and 'sail' through the water, or as a method to cool down. A third theory suggests that the whale is feeding close to the sea floor.
Scientists believe that tail-sailing is fairly common amongst certain species, such as the Southern right whale.[3]
References edit
- ^ "Sailing Tail". Whale Coast Route. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
- ^ "Rare footage released of humpback whale hanging tail in air near Hawaii". Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
- ^ AOL Staff. "Humpback whale 'tail-sails' as she watches her calf off the Maui coast". AOL.com. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
External links edit
Media related to Whales with raised tail at Wikimedia Commons
 | This Cetacean-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |