With some whales mating rituals occur during certain seasons. Other species; however, do not seem to have a breeding season.

The whales mating rituals are a competition between male whales, known as bulls, during the mating season which is challenging. Ultimately the female makes the decision on which bull she mates with. Her decision is important because health and strength determines that of her calf. Whales only mate once every two years.

Traveling in pods, and normally to the tropics, for large class whales, where the mating and birthing will occur, bulls search for the female pods. There is singing and sometimes fighting trying to gain attention of the females. As it happens, whales only mate once every two years.

Using their vocal capabilities, males sing love songs in attempts to win over a female. While what we here my sound like clicks and squeaks, to the whales it is a song. Often rhyming, with verses and changing the songs to try to outperform one another. These songs can last for 10-20 minutes and are often repeated for hours. There are other tactics used to gain attention as well.

Some whales have tusks and will use them, in battle, to earn the females attention. These whales are known as Narwhal whales. They have tusk that protrudes from their top lip. Females and calves evacuate the surrounding area to avoid injury.

Winning the approval of a female results in a courtship period. Touching each other, posing, singing and swimming in certain patterns is all part of dating. Getting to know one another is important before the mating begins. After they feel they know each other well enough, the belly to belly mating starts.

Occasionally, you might see a family whales. This means that after mating, the male stayed to protect the female and calf. Not all whales stay with the female. After mating, some whales return their male group.

In his studies of whales one aspect that has always intrigued Jan van Nickerk is the whales mating rituals.