THE HIDDEN HAIRS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE
When we picture whales, we don’t usually think of hair. But what if I told you that our beautiful humpbacks still carry tiny reminders of their land-dwelling past—right on their heads.
Humpback whales are part of the baleen whale group, known scientifically as Mysticetes. One of the biggest differences between baleen whales and their toothed cousins (Odontocetes) is, as the name suggests—they don’t have any teeth! Instead, they have baleen plates hanging from the upper jaw, which they use to filter microscopic organisms like krill and small fish (like anchovies) out of the water. (Want to know more about baleen plates? Click here to read another article!)
But this brings us to the question:
If baleen whales can’t echolocate like toothed whales do... how do they find their food?
The answer might surprise you: hairs!
Close up of the humpback whale's head (If you look at the bumps closer you will be able to see these tiny hairs!) - Photo by Nikolina Sokcic
If you’ve ever seen a humpback whale surface up close, you might have noticed a series of small, round bumps on the top of its head. These bumps are called tubercles, and inside each one is a hair follicle—yes, actual hair! These tiny hairs are sensitive to movement in the water, and scientists believe they help whales detect swarms of prey by picking up vibrations.
Close up of the humpback's whale head, showing tiny white hairs at the tip of its mouth- Photo by Josephine Aussage
Even though not every bump is easily visible, these hair follicles are present and play a sensory role. Toothed whales also have hairs—but usually only around their mouths at birth, and most species lose them shortly after. Baleen whales like humpbacks, on the other hand, keep theirs for life, using them to sense movement in the water. And here’s an evolutionary fact: whales still have these hairs today as a leftover trait from their ancient ancestors who once lived on land.
So next time you join us on a whale watching tour, keep an eye out for those iconic bumps—and remember, there’s a lot more going on under the surface than meets the eye!
—Nikolina Sokcic, Guide