Gray Whale Antics What action words did you use to describe this whale's behavior? When a whale bursts out of the water like this, turns on its side or back, and splashes back into the water, it's called breaching. No one really knows why whales do this, but here's what scientists think: It might be a male showing off for a female, an effort to get rid of barnacles, a signal to other whales, or just fun for the whale! What are your ideas?   Facebook Pinterest Twitter © 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.