D-tag data (such as these from one tagged whale) have revealed that sperm whales make rhythmic patterns of clicks called codas to communicate with each other when they are descending, ascending, or near the surface. They use “regular clicks” at depth to orient themselves to the bottom and to find prey. When they do, they accelerate their click rate into a buzz to locate the prey precisely enough to capture it. (Illustration by Jack Cook, WHOI Graphic Services; data from Stephanie Watwood, WHOI)
Image and Visual Licensing
WHOI copyright digital assets (stills and video) contained on this website can be licensed for non-commercial use upon request and approval. Please contact WHOI Digital Assets at images@whoi.edu or (508) 289-2647.