List of whale vocalizations

This population produces long-duration, low frequency pulses ("A") and tonal calls ("B"), upswept tones that precede type B calls ("C"), moderate-duration downswept tones ("D"), and variable amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated sounds.

[3][4][5][6] A and B calls are often produced in repeated co-occurring sequences as song only by males, suggesting a reproductive function.

[14][15] At least seven blue whale song types have been shifting linearly downward in tonal frequency over time, though at different rates.

[16][17][18] The Eastern North Pacific blue whale tonal frequency is 31% lower than it was in the early 1960s.

[16][17] The frequency of pygmy blue whales in the Antarctic has steadily decreased at a rate of a few tenths of hertz per year since 2002.

[20] Bowhead whales are highly vocal[21] and use low frequency (<1000 Hz) sounds to communicate while travelling, feeding, and socialising.

During breeding season, bowheads make long, complex, variable songs for mating calls.

Transient orcas on the other hand feed mainly on marine mammals, primarily seals, sea lions, and porpoises.

Because all marine mammals have excellent underwater hearing, transients probably remain silent until they have caught their prey to avoid detection by acoustically sensitive animals.