Tuesday Time-Waster: Animal group names

You probably know that the English language has a large number of words for groups of animals. It’s a “flock of sheep,” a “herd of cattle,” and the fun “murder of crows.” I tend to use the word “herd” for fun, because “a group of bicyclists” just isn’t as silly as “a herd of cyclists.”

However, did you know that there are many, many other words for animal groups? I present to you, courtesy of my friend Matt, this rather extensive list. I love the mental images of an “army of caterpillars” and a “mob of emus.” A “band of coyotes” sounds like a wayward musical act, and perhaps they should join forces with a “cast of falcons.” But the funny thing is that I don’t actually know some of the animals on this list, either. Until now, I never knew that “Look, there’s a fling of dunlins!” is a legitimate sentence.

And, one more thing before I stop rambling on like a word nerd: Follow that link up there and scroll to the bottom of the page, beneath the table. You’re welcome.