However, whales do produce a variety of sounds that can be described as "high-pitched" or "whistling" depending on the species and context. Here's a breakdown of why whales make these sounds:
1. Communication:
* Social Interactions: Many whale species use complex vocalizations to communicate with each other. These can include calls for mating, warnings about predators, or even calls for food.
* Navigation: Some whales use echolocation, emitting clicks and whistles that bounce off objects in their environment, allowing them to navigate, hunt, and find food.
* Mother-calf communication: Whale mothers often use distinct calls to stay in contact with their calves and guide them.
2. Stress or Distress:
* Some whales, especially those in captivity, may produce high-pitched calls as a sign of distress or stress. This can happen in response to changes in their environment, social isolation, or even physical pain.
3. Unknown Reasons:
* Scientists are still researching the full range of whale vocalizations and their purposes. Some calls may have functions that we haven't yet discovered.
Important Note: The term "keening" should be avoided when describing whale sounds, as it implies human emotions that are not necessarily applicable to whale behavior. It's more accurate to use descriptive terms like "high-pitched whistles," "clicks," "moans," or "songs" to describe specific whale sounds.