Humpback whales know how to 'learn' complex songs from different regions

 Only male whales sing, and they have distinct singing tunes that change every year, according to Australia's ABC.

About 40,000 humpback whales migrate annually along Australia's east coast. According to Jacinta Shackleton, Lady Elliot Island's reef guide, you just need to gently press your ear under the water to hear them sing easily.

People often hear humpback whales singing together

Humpback whale songs change every year. Researchers at the University of Queensland, including lead researcher Jenny Allen, discovered neighboring populations of whales were learning each other's distinct tunes.

The study examined the songs of male humpback whales from eastern Australia and New Caledonia between 2009 and 2015 to decipher how culture is transmitted between populations.

Dr Allen said the whales learn quickly and with remarkable accuracy.

"Both populations share a common migratory route through New Zealand en route to Antarctica, where they feed."

Dr. Allen said there are some places where their voices are easy to hear.

"When whales come to their breeding grounds, around the Whitsundays, that's where they will sing the most," she said.

Hervey Bay is also an important stop for "mother and young fish" on their journey back south.

Dr Allen said: "If you dip your head in the water in Hervey Bay, you have a chance to hear the whale singing."

The peak season for whale watching is from July to October.

Miss Shackleton said it was the best time to see and hear the singing of the "giants" at the bottom.

Researchers still don't know why whales sing, but they believe it may be related to mating and reproduction.

"Females will make sounds, but they don't sing, only males sing," Dr. Allen said.

Ms. Allen said the research has helped to understand how these whale populations interact and how to better protect them.