A flock of chickens, a murder of crows

How many of us know what groups of animals are called? Oh sure, herd of cows (yes, I've heard of cows... hehe) and the usual flock of chickens, but how many knew that crows were a "murder"... and why? 

According to Snopes, "a murder of crows" comes from a folk tale that says crows form "tribunals" and punish the bad behavior of a member of the flock. In reality, it's likely they got this label from hanging around battlefields, medieval hospitals and cemetaries - of old.

Here are some others you may or may not know:

School of whales - also called a pod or a gam. Unfortunately, even Google couldn't tell me WHY. At least, not in a simple, easy search.

A skulk of foxes - taken, one presumes, from the definition of skulk: to lie in hiding, to move about steathily. This is acribed to a "congregation of vermin"... it's where the dictionary places the fox.

A shrewdness of apes, also, an "aggregation of apes." (I'm not making this up...it says shrewdness in the dictionary for a number of apes in a group) Also, a flock. Perhaps shrewd works - we can ascribe "quick, discerning, and perceptive" to apes, right?

A drove of oxen, sheep or swine. Coming from the description of "flock" used for apes.

A clowder of cats. You knew that, right? Well, I didn't! I always say, "Hey, looka that buncha cats!" Except, I honestly don't see cats in clowders. Wabby doesn't allow other cats in the house! [this is ONE of my daughter's 3 cats...all of whom the Wabby distains!]

Last one for today, a bale of turtles. Likely coming from this description: "a large bundle or package prepared for shipping, storage or sales, esp. one tightly compressed and secured by wires, hoops, cords or the like..."

I learned a bit today. How about you? I wonder what a group of ferrets is called?

[note, crow pic obtained royalty free at Fotosearch...]

Comments

[caren gittleman]

very interesting information. Couldn't get chowder out of my head after reading about a "clowder of cats"....

For ferrets? a "frenzy" of ferrets? "family" of ferrets" a ferret fanclub? lol

This was very informative and humorous!

[animalartist]

Apparently, it's a "business" or "busyness" of ferrets! And it's a "kindle" of kittens! I remember discussing this in one of my composition classes in college, and the consensus was that some of the terms were archaic from the long-term agricultural society of humans, but the Victorians decided, in their hyper-organized manner, that EVERYTHING needed a collective name, so some are logical, some are simply made up.

Th Oxford English Dictionary has a comprehensive list with derivations:
http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/collective/?view=uk

Another interesting list:
http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/kennel/collectives.htm

[Yvonne]

OMG! I love the "frenzy of ferrets" Caren! Perfect! I wonder if it's called that. (thought the same thing about cats...hehe!)

[Yvonne]

Fantastic, animal artist. I remember the "kindle" of kittens, too! Great resource. Many thanks for sharing. Mwah!

[Snotface Ferret]

It is referred to as a "business" of ferrets; probably because that is exactly what you will not get done when there are lots of them around!