A Ultimate Guide to Collective Nouns for Animals (2024)

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Collective nouns for animals refer to specific names assigned to the group of animals. For example, a group of alligators is known as “ a congregation.” Similarly, a group of bees is known as “ a grist of bees.” It’s just a drop in the ocean. Read along to discover more. 

In today’s article, we’re going to discuss collective nouns for animals with examples and explanations in detail. So, if you’re an animal enthusiast or just want to know about your companions on Earth, let’s get straight into it. 

What are Collective Nouns for Animals? 

According to classical English, collective nouns simply refer to a group of people or things. Besides humans and things, there are collective nouns for animals as well.

For example, some common ones are “a flock of sheep,” “ a swarm of bees,” and so on. But there are many more animal collective nouns that you might haven’t heard before. So, I’m not going to arouse your curiosity anymore.

Collective Noun For Different Groups of Animals: 

What is a Group of Apes Called?

A group of apes is known as “ a shrewdness of apes.” The term was first used in 1486. The word shrewdness indicates a sense of mischief and playfulness, and it also means intelligence and astuteness. So, the apes got this collective noun for animals because of their cognitive ability and their playful nature! 

What’s a Group of Bullfinches Called? 

The bullfinches got their name from their bull-like appearance. The collective noun for animals like Bullfinches is “ a bellowing of bullfinches.” The birds lack a powerful flocking instinct, unlike its other finch cousins. 

The animals have a thick and small neck. The bullfinch is short and deep when it’s feeding. It’s known for producing a sound like “Phu,” a kind of continuous pipping sound.

What is a Group of Bees Called? 

Generally, a collective noun for bees is “ A grist of bees.” Some other collective nouns for bees are: 

1. Hum: 

It’s named because of noise. The hives can contain more than 40,000 bees, making a quiet humming noise. 

1. Cluster: 

Because the bees are centered and gathered around their queen. 

1. Colony: 

Because the bees live communally 

1. Swarm: 

This name is because of their attribute of mass movement. 

1. Hive: 

This collective noun for bees is taken from their habitat. The hive is the place where bees live. 

1. Drift: 

Archaic for drove, meaning a horde. 

1. Byke/Bike: 

This collective noun is used for wild bees.

Some other collective nouns for bees are: 

• Erst
• Nest 
• Rabble
• Stand 
• Game 
• Charm 

What is a Group of Badgers Called?

A group of Badgers is known as “ a cete of Badgers.” The word cete can be derived from two root words from a Chaucerian word for city or the Latin word “ coetus” for assembly. In any case, it indicates the social nature of animals. The animal lives in family groups known as clans. Some other collective nouns for badgers are colony and company. 

What is a Group of Baboons Called?

Ever heard of a “troop of baboons”? These social animals stick together, often found hanging out in groups as big as fifty! They travel, eat, and groom together, keeping each other safe from predators. Imagine the chatter!

What is a Group of Bears Called?

No, it’s not “a cuddle of bears” (though that would be sweet)! Bears gather in a “sleuth” or “sloth.” Interestingly, these powerful creatures are quite solitary, so you’re most likely to see them grouped only when there’s a lot of food around.

What is a Group of Butterflies Called?

Visualize a meadow with “a kaleidoscope of butterflies” fluttering about. Doesn’t that sound like a dream? They’re also sometimes called a “flutter,” perfectly describing their graceful movement as they dance in the air.

What is a Group of Beavers Called?

A group of beavers is called a colony or family. This reflects their hardworking, communal lifestyle, where they build and maintain dams and lodges together.

What is a Group of Buffalo Called?

A group of buffalo is known as a “gang” or an “obstinacy.” These powerful animals are often found in herds, grazing in grasslands. Buffalo are known for their strength and strong social bonds. They stay together for protection against predators. The name “obstinacy” reflects their stubborn nature when they face danger.

What is a Group of Cobras Called?

The collective noun for cobras is a “quiver.” These snakes are famous for their hooded appearance and venomous bite. Cobras are usually solitary, but when gathered, they form a quiver. Interestingly, cobras are highly respected in many cultures due to their fierce reputation and striking presence.

What is a Group of Cranes Called?

Did you know a group of cranes is called a “sedge” or a “siege”? These tall, elegant birds are often seen in wetlands, standing quietly or moving in unison. Why the unusual names? The word “siege” captures their patient, calm behaviour as they wait for the right moment to feed or take flight. Have you ever watched a group of cranes in action during their migration or nesting season? It’s a sight you won’t forget!

What is a Group of Camels Called?

Camels travel in a “caravan,” which brings to mind those ancient journeys across the desert. A fitting term, don’t you think? Together, they traverse vast distances, carrying people and goods through harsh landscapes.

What is a Group of Crocodiles Called? 

A group of crocodiles is known as “ a nest of crocodiles. However, crocodiles aren’t birds but deadly animals. Its collective noun is nest because they bury their eggs in the nest. It’s another story that what type of nests and where they make nests. 

Okay, let me explain shortly, as incomplete knowledge can be fatal. So, the crocodiles can make nests in the soil, or they can build nests as mounds that are usually built out of vegetation. They are together until they are in the nest. 

Once they leave the nest, they particularly spend time together and like to live solitary. But when it comes to prey, they can unite and hunt together. Some other collective nouns for deadly animals like crocodiles are: 

• Bask 
• A congregation 
• A float 

What’s a group of Caterpillars Called? 

The collective noun for caterpillars is “ an army of caterpillars.” This term first appeared in the print media in 1828. The reason behind this is the fact that caterpillars are generally found in large numbers because they are hatched from the egg together and usually share the same food plant. 

What is a Group of Cheetahs Called?

A group of cheetahs is a rare sight, but if you do spot them together, you’d call them a “coalition.” Generally, it’s only male cheetahs that form these coalitions, hunting and patrolling their territory as a team. Strength in numbers!

What is a Group of Crows Called?

The group of Crows is called “mob,” “ parcel,” or “ horde.” They also got a terrific name, “ a murder of crows.” The reason behind this name is that the 15th-century peasants feared the crows very much. They consider that these sinister-looking birds with dark feathers and fully black eyes were witches or the devil’s messengers. Aww, the naive crow!

What is a Group of Deer Called?

Have you ever wondered what a group of deer is called? It’s known as a “herd.” Deer are social animals, and they gather in herds for both safety and companionship. Why do they stick together? Being in a group means there’s always someone on the lookout for predators, keeping the herd safer. Plus, it’s easier to find food when they’re all searching together. Can you picture a herd of graceful deer moving through a forest?

What is a Group of Ducks Called? 

A group of ducks is known as “ a raft of ducks.” The collective nouns like raft bunch or paddling are generally used when the duck is on the water.

Some more collective nouns for ducks are: 

• Trip 
• Plump
• Knob 
• Waddling 
• String 
• Flush 
• Dropping 
• Badkung 
• Badelynge 
• Sore 
• Safe 
• Team ( When the ducks are flying) 

What is a Group of Dolphins Called?

Have you ever seen a group of dolphins swimming together? They’re called a “pod.” Dolphins are intelligent and social creatures, often forming strong bonds with one another. But why a pod? It’s because these animals travel, hunt, and play in groups, working together to communicate and survive. Can you imagine seeing a pod of dolphins leaping through the waves?

What is a Group of Doves Called?

Did you know a group of doves is called a “dule” or “piteousness”? These gentle birds often symbolise peace, but their group name has a sorrowful tone. Why the unusual term? It could be linked to the soft, mournful cooing sound doves make. Have you ever noticed a flock of doves perched together in a tree, their feathers gleaming in the sunlight?

What is a Group of Eagles Called?

A group of eagles is known as a “convocation.” Doesn’t that sound majestic? Eagles are powerful birds of prey, and this name reflects the respect they command. Why convocation? It suggests a gathering of authority as if these regal birds are assembling for an important meeting. Have you ever watched a convocation of eagles soaring high in the sky?

What is a Group of Frogs Called?

Did you know the collective noun for frogs is “army”? It’s a surprising name for these small, amphibious creatures. But why an army? Perhaps it’s because when frogs gather, especially during mating season, their numbers can swell, filling ponds with croaks and leaps. Can you picture an army of frogs hopping across a lily pad-covered pond?

What is a Group of Flamingos Called?

Did you guess “a flamboyance of flamingos”? Well, you’d be right! Flamingos truly live up to their collective name with their bright pink feathers and elegant posture. These beautiful birds gather in huge numbers, turning lakes and lagoons into vibrant pink paradises.

What is a group of Foxes Called? 

A group of foxes is called a “skulk” or “leash.” Foxes are sly and often prefer to roam alone, but when they come together, they’re as stealthy as ever. “Skulk” just seems to capture their secretive nature, doesn’t it?

What is a Group of Goats Called?

A group of goats is called a tribe or trip. Goats are curious and social animals. They often travel in groups, which helps them stay safe. Have you ever seen a group of goats grazing on a hillside? They usually stick together to protect themselves from predators. These animals are known for their agility and can often be seen climbing steep terrains. That’s why you might find goats in some of the most unexpected places!

What is a Group of Geese Called?

In the list of collective nouns for animals, the next animal is Geese. A group of geese is known as a “ gaggle of geese” because when they are together in a group, they create a lot of noise. 

What is a Group of Giraffes Called?

When giraffes gather, they form a “tower”. Perfect for these gentle giants who literally tower above everyone else on the savannah. You can often see them strolling together, gracefully extending their necks to reach those tasty tree leaves.

What is a Group of Hawks Called? 

A group of hawks is known as “ a cast of hawks.” The collective nouns for animals like hawks are coined in regards to the fact that birds cast from the fist in falconry or hawking. 

Please note in mind the term “ cast” is related only to a pair of hawks. If there are more than two hawks, the term “ leash” should be used. The collective noun for hawks is as follows: 

• Aerie 
• Knot 
• Mews 
• Moulting 
• Screw Stream 
• Schizophrenia 

What is a Group of Hippos Called? 

The group of Hippos is called “ a bloat of hippopotamuses.” The term was first used in 1933. The hippos got their collective noun from their big bloated belly! 

A male hippo weighs roughly 8000 pounds. It’s covered with subcutaneous fats that help him survive and float in water. The reason their stomach is bloated is grass that they ingest and store for the upcoming 3 weeks. 

Surprisingly, in one bloat of hippos, generally there would be one male among 19-20 females. 

What is a Group of Hares Called? 

A group of Hares is known as “the husk of Hares.” Some more collective nouns for Hares are: 

• Trip
• Drove 
• Trace 
• A Band 
• Trip 
• Huske 
• Leap
• Warren 
• Mute 
• Flick 
• Down 
• Herd 
• Kindle

Some more knowledge tidbits regarding Hares: 

1. A one-year-old hare is known as Leveret. 
2. A pair of hares is known as Brace. 
3. Three Hares are known as leash. 

What is a Group of Horses Called?

A group of horses is called a team, harras, or stable. Have you ever watched horses running together in a field? Horses are herd animals, and they tend to stay close to one another for protection and companionship. In the wild, they follow a social structure, with one horse often acting as the leader. Whether pulling a carriage as a team or grazing together, horses are known for their strength and grace.

What is a Group of Iguanas Called?

The collective noun for an iguana is “ a mess of iguanas.” The fact behind the collective noun is their social behavior. In the forests, iguanas are social animals.  They live in colonies and number in hundreds. When they are together, it might be hard for you to identify them individually, and that’s why they are collectively named “ mess.” 

Another collective noun for Iguana is “slaughter.” 

What is a Group of Jellyfish Called? 

A group of jellyfish is known as “a smuck of jellyfish.” What’s smuck? It’s the sound produced when a plastic bag full of water is being popped. Some other collective nouns for jellyfish are: 

• Crowd 
• Bloom
• Brood
• Stuck 
• Smuth 
• Swarm 
• Fluther 
• Smack 

What is a Group of Jaguars Called?

A group of jaguars is called a prowl or leap. Ever wondered why jaguars are considered solitary but still have collective nouns? These big cats are known for their stealth and strength. They are powerful hunters that usually roam alone, silently prowling through dense forests or leaping onto their prey. Imagine a group of these majestic creatures moving together—silent, strong, and deadly. Quite a sight, don’t you think?

What is a Group of Kangaroos Called?

A group of kangaroos is known as a mob. These marsupials travel and feed in mobs, which helps in alerting each other about potential threats.

What is a Group of Lemurs Called?

Lemurs, the adorable primates native to Madagascar, live in a conspiracy of lemurs. Why a “conspiracy”? These social animals stick together, often seen foraging, grooming, or playing. Did you know that female lemurs are the leaders of the group? They rule over the males, deciding when and where to travel. It’s a fascinating dynamic in the animal world! Have you ever imagined watching a whole conspiracy of lemurs bouncing from tree to tree in the forests of Madagascar? Quite the playful sight!

What is a Group of Leopards Called?

A group of leopards is called a leap. Though leopards are solitary animals, they may come together in certain situations, like during mating season or when a mother is raising cubs.

What is a Group of Lions Called?

A group of lions is called a pride. Lions are unique among big cats in that they are social and live in prides, which can consist of up to 30 members, including females, cubs, and a few dominant males.

What is a Group of Moles Called? 

A group of moles is known as “ a labour of moles.” Often, the collective nouns for animals are named on the basis of their habits. So a group of moles is named labor because moles are extremely industrious and hard workers. They usually live underground. 

What is a Group of Monkeys Called?

Monkeys are playful, social animals, and they gather in a troop of monkeys. Can’t you just imagine the chatter, the swinging from tree to tree, and the endless energy? It’s like a never-ending party in the jungle!

What is a Group of Nightingales Called?

Ever heard the soft, melodious calls of a nightingale? When these birds gather, they form a watch of nightingales. Their beautiful songs create an enchanting atmosphere, and the name “watch” hints at how they keep an ear out for their surroundings, serenading the night.

What is a Group of Owls Called?

Owls are known for? Their wise nature. So, the collective noun for animals like owls got its name based on their nature. The group of owls is known as “ a parliament of owls.”

What is a Group of Ostriches Called?

Ostriches, the largest birds on the planet, move together in flocks. Have you ever seen these towering creatures running at top speed? Despite their size, ostriches are incredibly fast runners, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h! They flock together for protection, using their height to keep an eye out for predators. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to witness a whole flock of ostriches sprinting across the plains?

What is a Group of Parrots Called?

Vibrant and chatty parrots form a pandemonium of parrots. And yes, the name fits perfectly! Their vivid colours and noisy conversations create delightful chaos in the treetops.

What is a Group of Peacocks Called?

A group of peacocks is called an ostentation of peacocks. It makes sense, right? With their vibrant feathers and graceful strut, they demand attention wherever they go. Have you ever seen a peacock spread its feathers? It’s like a living work of art! Imagine an entire group of them, flaunting those colourful feathers together—it’s no wonder they’re called ostentation.

What is a Group of Porpoises Called? 

A group of Porpoises is known as “ a gam of porpoises”. The word “ gam” is a collective noun used for whales and porpoises, likely the way school is used for fish, the herd is used for cows, and the pod is used for seals.

What is a Group of Penguins Called?

Picture a snowy Antarctic scene with “a waddle of penguins” shuffling about. The collective noun captures their adorable walk, especially when they’re all huddled together to stay warm.

What is a Group of Quail Called?

Quail gather in a covey. These small, ground-dwelling birds like to stay close, often moving together in tight-knit groups for safety. Have you ever noticed how they dart through the underbrush, blending into the landscape? The term covey gives a sense of their natural tendency to stick together, almost as if they’re one unit.

What is a Group of Rhino Called? 

Rhinos are famous for their stubbornness. One amazing fact about rhinos is that they run up to 30 miles per hour, but they can only see 30 feet ahead. As a result, when they run in a group at full speed, they often can’t see what’s in front of them, and hence, a crash is often expected. The collective noun for Rhinos is based on the fact they are known as “ a crash of rhinoceroses.” Some other collective nouns are herd and stubbornness. 

What is a Group of Ravens Called?

A group of Ravens is known as the “ unkindness of Ravens.” This name is derived from a false concept in the 19th century. It was believed that ravens weren’t caring about their parents. They expel their premature young from their nest and don’t feed them. Well, what do you think? Is this an allegation against the Ravens? 

Some other collective nouns for animals like Ravens are: 

• Tracheary 
• Conspiracy 
• Flock 

What is a Group of Rabbits Called? 

A collective noun used for the group of rabbits is “ a colony of rabbits.” In a colony of rabbits, you can generally find 8-15 rabbits. This colony helps them stay vigilant from the danger of predators by keeping more eyes and ears to look and listen. For domesticated rabbits, the collective noun is herd, and for young rabbits, it’s herd. 

Some more collective nouns for rabbits are as follows: 

• Trace 
• Fluffle
• Leash 
• Down 
• Wrack 
• Flick 
• Husk 
• Bevy 
• Bury 
• Trip 
• Drove 
• Vice 
• Nest 
• Kindle 

Among all the collective nouns for animals, the rabbit got the most names.

What is a Group of Sharks Called?

A group of sharks is called a shiver. The name itself is enough to send a chill down your spine! Whether they’re hunting or simply gliding through the water, sharks in a group create a powerful, intimidating presence. Can you picture a shiver of sharks slicing through the ocean, moving in synchronised patterns? It’s a thrilling sight—one that leaves an unforgettable impression.

What is a Group of Stoats Called? 

A group of stoats is known as “ a pack of stoats.” Some other collective nouns for animals like stout are caravan, gang and trip. 

So, the stoats are collectively known as the “ pack of stoats” because of the belief that stoats are marauders or a bullying gang. There are generally twelve stouts in a litter. 

What is a Group of Storks Called? 

The collective noun for storks is “ a mustering of storks.” The word muster generally means a gathering, assembly, or a meetup. The word muster is also used for a roundup of livestock, especially antipodes. Some other collective nouns for animals like storks are: 

• Shorter Muster 
• Flight 
• Phalanx

What is a Group of Squirrels Called? 

The collective nouns for animals, especially squirrels, include “ a dray of squirrels,” squad, colony, or scurry. Don’t confuse the word dray with drey. Dray is used for a group of squirrels, and it’s the alternate spelling of the word drey which is used for the nest of the squirrel. 

Do you know the literal meaning of the squirrel? The word squirrel is derived from the Greek word “ skia”, which means shade, and “ oura” which means tail. Once, it was believed that the bushy tail of the squirrel served as an umbrella. 

What is a Group of Swans Called?

A group of swans is called a bevy or a wedge when in flight. Swans are graceful birds, and they often gather in bevies when on water or land. When they fly in formation, they create a wedge shape.

What is a Group of Starlings Called?

A group of starlings is known as a “ murmuration of starlings.” It’s also known as the “ chattering of starlings.” The collective noun for animals is often based on their habits, nature, or behavior. In this case, the starlings got this name because of the sound a large group of starlings produce from dusk with a murmur. The intensity of murmuration can be understood from the fact that it’s equal to the beating of 10,000 pairs of wings in one go. Huge!!! 

What is a Group of Toads Called?

Toads come together in a knot. It’s a curious name, but it fits, doesn’t it? These quiet, bumpy-skinned creatures often gather in moist, hidden areas, almost blending in with their surroundings. Picture a cluster of toads huddled together—it looks like a little knot, doesn’t it?

What is a Group of Turtles Called?

The collective noun for turtles is “ a bale of turtles.” The reason behind this name is the shape a turtle acquires when huddled together in its shell. You can understand it this way that: it feels like a bale being stalked or bound by a bundle of paper, hay, or cotton. 

Do you know turtles are known for two things? Because of their slow nature and their need to team up to stay safe from predators. 

Some other collective nouns for animals like Turtles are: 

• Dole 
• Turn 
• Dule 
• Nest 

What is a Group of Turkeys Called?

A group of turkeys is referred to as a “rafter.” Isn’t that a fun term? Turkeys are social creatures, often seen foraging together in flocks. Have you ever watched them strut about, making their distinctive gobbling sounds? It’s fascinating! Rafters usually consist of both males and females, and they can be quite protective of each other, especially during the mating season. So, next time you see a group of turkeys, remember—you’re looking at a rafter!

What is a Group of Tigers Called?

Although tigers are lone wanderers, when they do get together, it’s called an “ambush” or “streak.” The term “ambush” plays on the fact that these big cats are the ultimate hunters, silently waiting to pounce on their prey.

What is a Group of Vultures Called?

A group of vultures can be known by different names depending on what they’re doing. 

1. When in flight, they are called a “kettle.” 
2. On the ground or perched together, they are called a “committee.” 
3. When feeding on a carcass, they are referred to as a “wake.”

What is a Group of Whales Called?

A group of whales is known as “ a pod of whales.” Some other collective nouns for animals like whales are:

• Gam 
• School
• Plump
• Mob 
• Run 

The term “Pod of Whales” is used for a smaller number of whales, such as a family group having the same mommy. Pod of Whales usually have two to three whales: female, calf and escort. 

What is a Group of Waterfowl Called? 

A group of Waterfowl is known as “ a knob of Waterfowl.” The word knob is used for waterfowl ranging in number from 10 to 20. If the waterfowl birds are more than 30, the collective noun used will be a bunch, trip, plump, sord, or sute. 

What is a Group of Wolves Called?

Ah, the classic “pack of wolves.” Wolves are pack animals through and through, working together to hunt, raise their young, and defend their territory. They’ve even inspired countless stories and myths, haven’t they?

What is a Group of Weasels Called?

A group of weasels is called a “gang.” This name reflects their cunning and agility, traits that make them effective hunters. Weasels are known for their slender bodies and quick movements, allowing them to slip into tight spaces and surprise their prey. Have you ever seen a weasel in action? They can be quite playful, too, often engaging in acrobatic antics. A gang of weasels is not just a clever name; it hints at their teamwork and stealth when hunting together!

What is a Group of Wildebeest Called? 

While you might be shocked to hear the collective noun for these animals! A group of wildebeest is known as “ a confusion of wildebeest.” It’s because they create a lot of noise when gathering for their big migration. They are disoriented, confused, and chaotic, fearing the predators. 

Almost two million wildebeest unite and search together for green areas. 

What is a Group of Woodpeckers Called?

Next in our list of collective nouns for animals is “Woodpeckers.” A group of woodpeckers is known as “ a descent of woodpeckers.” The woodpeckers have the habit of descending to the ground. That’s why they got the name “ a descent of woodpeckers.” 

Conclusion: 

Huge!! Collective nouns for animals is a vast topic. There are 8.7 million known species of animal, and I have described only a few. To know more, keep visiting our blogs. Thank you for reading!