I think it’s widely known that a flock of crows is called a “murder.” Less well known are some other words for groups of different species. These include
a raft of otters
a scold of jays
a skulk of foxes
a hover of trout
a gam of whales
a wisdom of wombats
a fever of stingrays
a clowder of cats
The reason I looked these up, and I don’t think I knew any of them except the first two, is because of a line I came across recently in the book Eden Undone. The author describes a fish cleaning operation in Ecuador where the heads and entrails of the fish are dumped into a bay, “drawing shivers of sharks.”
I originally thought “shivers of sharks” was a typo, but apparently it is the word used to refer to small groups of sharks, usually composed of only two or three individuals. These individuals are also usually of only one gender, so a shiver is either all male or all female.
I wonder how wise the wombats are.
LikeLike
They seem like Australia’s version of our groundhogs. And I don’t think groundhogs are very smart. But they’re still going, which shows some adaptability.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like hedgehogs I guess.
LikeLike
But bigger I think. I don’t know hedgehogs but I think they’re pretty small. Plus wombats are actually marsupials so they have a pouch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meant hedgehogs are not so smart but adaptable like wombats π I know what wombats look like, they have some in Northumberland zoo.
LikeLike
I would love to visit Northumberland Zoo. Just to say I went there. Plus they must have bookmarks.
I think you posted pictures of their snow leopards a while back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did indeed, theyβre gorgeous! Next time I go Iβll check out bookmarks!
LikeLike
I thought it was a herd of cats?
LikeLike
I thought you couldn’t herd cats? I think “clowder” is usually used in reference to a pack of feral cats, but I might be wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no idea. I’m not exactly up and up on animal life. I just eat them, when applicable π
LikeLike
I knew a clowder of cats. As well as the less well known “a chowder of clams.”
LikeLike
Grooooooan.
LikeLike