Animals Wildlife 101 Animal Group Names: A List From A to Z By Russell McLendon Russell McLendon Writer University of Georgia Russell McLendon is a science writer with expertise in the natural environment, humans, and wildlife. He holds degrees in journalism and environmental anthropology. Learn about our editorial process Updated June 01, 2024 A parliament of burrowing owls in Florida. Tania Thomson / Shutterstock Animals Wildlife Pets Animal Rights Endangered Species You're probably familiar with a school of fish or colony of ants, but have you heard of a shrewdness of apes? Animal group names highlight a fascinating aspect of animal behavior: From social butterflies to solitary scavengers, virtually all animals gather into groups at some point in their lives. Whatever draws them together, something odd happens when creatures form crowds: They suddenly have bizarre, often silly names. Drawing from Medieval hunting traditions, literature, and even scientific observations, these animal group names aren't often used, even by scientists, but they nonetheless represent our own species' collective creativity for linguistics—not to mention our deep-rooted affinity for nature. Naming a group of martens as a "richness" or starlings as a "murmuration" shows an appreciation and respect for these animals. Even when the names are less flattering, such as an "obstinacy of buffalo" or an "unkindness of ravens," they still reflect a recognition and respect for the animals that share our world. Why Do Animals Gather in Groups? Safety in numbers is one reason since a pack of prey is less vulnerable to attack by predators, but many animals also rely on collective wisdom to help them make better decisions. Some even blur the line between individual and group, while others limit their social time to mating season. Without further ado, here are 101 of the strangest collective names for animals: Mammals and Marsupials A conspiracy of ring-tailed lemurs. Bas Czerwinski / AFP / Getty Images Apes: a shrewdnessBadgers: a cete or colonyBats: a cauldronBears: a sloth or sleuthBuffalo: a gang or obstinacyCats: a clowder, pounce, or glaring; for kittens: a kindle, litter, or intrigueDogs: a litter (puppies), pack (wild), or cowardice (curs)Donkeys: a paceElephants: a paradeElk: a gangFerrets: a businessFox: a leash, skulk, or earthGiraffes: a towerGoats: a tribe or tripGorillas: a bandHippopotamuses: a bloat or thunderHyenas: a cackleJaguars: a shadowKangaroos: a troop or mobLemurs: a conspiracyLeopards: a leapLions: a pride or sawtMartens: a richnessMoles: a laborMonkeys: a troop or barrelMules: a pack, span, or barrenOtters: a rompPigs: a drift, drove, sounder, team, or passelPorcupines: a pricklePorpoises: a pod, school, herd, or turmoilRabbits: a colony, warren, nest, down, husk, or herd (domestic only)Rhinoceroses: a crashSquirrels: a dray or scurryTigers: an ambush or streakWhales: a pod, gam, or herdWolves: a pack, rout, or route (when in movement) Birds An ostentation of Indian peacocks. Shah Marai / AFP / Getty Images Bitterns: a sedgeBuzzards: a wakeBobolinks: a chainCoots: a coverCormorants: a gulpCrows: a murder or hordeDotterel: a tripDoves: a dule or pitying (specific to turtle doves)Ducks: a brace, team, flock (in flight), raft (on water), paddling, or badlingEagles: a convocationFinches: a charmFlamingos: a standGeese: a flock, gaggle (on the ground), or skein (in flight)Grouse: a pack (in late season)Hawks: a cast, kettle (in flight), or boil (two or more spiraling in the air)Herons: a sedge or siegeJays: a party or scoldLapwings: a deceitLarks: an exaltationMallards: a sord (in flight) or braceMagpies: a tiding, gulp, murder, or charmNightingales: a watchOwls: a parliamentParrots: a pandemonium or companyPartridge: a coveyPeafowl: an ostentation or musterPenguins: a colony, muster, parcel, or rookeryPheasant: a nest, nide (a brood), nye, or bouquetPlovers: a congregation or wing (in flight)Ptarmigans: a coveyRooks: a buildingQuail: a bevy or coveyRavens: an unkindnessSnipe: a walk or wispSparrows: a hostStarlings: a murmurationStorks: a musteringSwans: a bevy, game, or wedge (in flight)Teal: a springTurkeys: a rafter or gangWoodcocks: a fallWoodpeckers: a descent Reptiles and Amphibians A maelstrom of crocodile salamanders. Tanes Ngamsom / Shutterstock Cobras: a quiverCrocodiles: a baskFrogs: an armyToads: a knotTurtles: a bale or nestSalamanders: a maelstromSnakes, vipers: a nest Fish A shiver of hammerhead sharks. Janos Rautonen / Shutterstock Fish in general: a draft, nest, run, school or shoalHerring: an armySharks: a shiverTrout: a hover Invertebrates A fluther of golden jellyfish. Ethan Daniels / Shutterstock Bees: a grist, hive, or swarmCaterpillars: an armyClams: a bedCrabs: a consortiumCockroaches: an intrusionFlies: a businessGrasshoppers: a cloudJellyfish: a bloom, fluther, or smackLobsters: a riskOysters: a bedSnails: a hoodSquid: an audience View Article Sources Fellows, Dave. "Animal Congregations, or What Do You Call a Group of...?" USGS.