Reproductive Behavior of the Gray Whale Eschrichtius robustus, in Baja California

Abstract

Patterns of movement and repetitive behavior of gray whales in a specific area of Scammon's Lagoon suggest precopulative ritual. Individuals move into a specific area of the lagoon in the early morning and conspicuously engage in spyhopping. which is associated with the gray whale's courtship behavior. Whales expose their heads above the surface and remain motionless in this position for at least ten seconds before submerging. A lull in activity in the late morning and early afternoon is followed by intensified pairing and copulation.