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A beluga whale’s melon changes shape when it vocalizes

A beluga whale’s melon changes shape when it vocalizes

A beluga whale’s melon changes shape when it vocalizes

The fatty “melon” in a beluga’s forehead focuses echolocation clicks like a living acoustic lens — and visibly flexes as the animal vocalizes.

Belugas earn the nickname “canaries of the sea” for a wide repertoire of whistles, clicks, and chirps in Arctic waters.

Shape is part of the instrument. Soft tissue turns a blunt head into a tunable speaker and sonar dish.

Shahzad Mahota Shahzad Mahota @shahzad-mahota

A beluga whale’s melon changes shape when it vocalizes