This children’s article, Are humpback whales’ underwater bubble rings a secret language?, is written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and explore the fascinating ways animals might communicate. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and children’s writer.
Curious whales and their bubble rings
Humpback whales are famous for their beautiful songs, giant size, and clever hunting tricks.
Now there’s something new, scientists think they may also be trying to communicate with humans in a very unusual way – by blowing underwater bubble rings.
These bubble rings are large, spinning circles of air underwater. They look like rolling bubbles shaped in a perfect ring. Humpback whales usually use bubbles to hunt or to show off to other whales, but these new bubble rings seem different.
A recent study found that some whales have been making these bubble rings near humans, boats, or swimmers, and not while they were feeding.
In fact, the whales were calm, swimming slowly, and not showing any signs of stress or aggression.
What were the whales doing?
Scientists recorded 12 special events in oceans around the world. In each one, a humpback whale created bubble rings, sometimes spinning through the middle of the ring or lifting its head through it in a move called a spy hop.
Many of these whales were alone when they made the rings. That means they probably weren’t trying to send a message to another whale. Even more interesting, in most cases, the whales had already come closer to the people nearby before blowing the rings.
Could they be trying to play with us? Or say hello?
Are whales trying to talk to us?
Nobody knows for sure. Some scientists think this could be a type of playful behaviour. Others wonder if whales are curious about humans and want to interact.
One thing is clear, humpback whales are highly intelligent. They’ve been seen helping other animals escape predators and using creative ways to catch food.
These bubble rings might be another way for them to explore and connect with the world around them, including us!
If you want to see this incredible behaviour, you can watch this short clip: Watch on YouTube
To learn more about humpback whales, visit Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Article vocabulary list
- Communicate – to send a message or share information
- Bubble ring – a circle of spinning air released underwater
- Spy hop – when a whale lifts its head straight up out of the water to look around
- Aggression – angry or threatening behaviour
- Curious – wanting to know or learn more about something
- Interact – to talk, play, or take part in something with others
- Behaviour – the way an animal or person acts
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What unusual thing have some humpback whales been seen doing near humans?
a) Splashing water with their tails
b) Singing loudly
c) Blowing bubble rings
Answer: When a whale lifts its head out of the water to look around.
2. What is a “spy hop”?
Answer: When a whale lifts its head out of the water to look around.
3. Were the whales aggressive when they made the bubble rings?
a) Yes, they were trying to scare people
b) No, they were calm and friendly
c) They were chasing other whales
Answer: b) No, they were calm and friendly
4. How many bubble ring events did scientists record in the study?
a) 5
b) 12
c) 39
Answer: b) 12
5. Why do some scientists think whales might be blowing these rings near humans?
Answer: Because the whales are curious or trying to interact with people.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
