Baleen whale sounds may be the loudest produced by any animal and may travel for tens or hundreds of kilometers underwater. These sounds may be for long-range contact, assembly calls, advertisement for mates, greeting, location, threat, or individual identification. Research is ongoing. The location of sound production is unknown but the larynx is suspected.
Baleen whales have no vocal cords.
These sounds may be involved in long-distance communication, orientation, or navigation. The specific vocalizations vary by species. These are produced primarily by males on the breeding grounds. The songs, which can last up to 36 minutes each for humpbacks, probably communicate species, sex, location, mate status, and readiness to compete with other males for mates. More analysis of the behavior and song is needed before the true function of whale songs is known.