It's Called a What?

You may not know this, but when animals get together, they transform. Physically they are still the same, however the way they are referred to changes. For example, when a group of rowdy people get together they can become a mob. If they are at a soccer game (football to my non-American readers) and are rowdy they become hooligans. Well, animals take on a similar transition. I was quite amazed to find this occurs for numerous groups of animals.

Now granted, some animal group names are common like a herd or a school or a flock. Some however are kind of interesting and almost provide a degree of foreshadowing to what might happen when these animals get together. This includes an ambush of tigers, a pandemonium of parrots, and even a cackle of hyenas. In reality however, I imagine a single tiger would be just as good at an ambush as a group.

Finally, there are some group names that I think are just downright cool. This includes an obstinancy of buffalo, a bloat of hippos, and a prickle of porcupines. My favorite one however, may have to be a parliament of owls. Sorry George Clinton, but these guys bring some serious eff-you-en-kay.

For a list of other animal group names and additional learning, check out this site.