some of the names of groups of animals are quite fun, when you think about it.

a murder of crows?

an asylum of loons?

a clowder of cats?

a kindle of kittens?

a group of wild cats is called a DESTRUCTION

a business of ferrets

a skulk of foxes

PARLIAMENT of owls

a stench of skunks!

a prickle of porcupines

who comes up with these? well, julia berners published a book in 1486 called “the book of hawking,  hunting, and blasing of arms”. not only did she come up with some awesome names, but she was one of the first women authors writing in the english language.

i guess she also names collective nouns for professions as well, including the mildly offensive gaggle of women. blast of hunters is pretty good though. and melody of harpists.

james lipton wrote “an exaltation of larks”, an illustrated book on the subject. i might pick it up!