IN GOOD COMPANY

BIRDS OF A FEATHER MAY FLOCK TOGETHER, but what about other collectives of critters-and what do you call them when they do?

- MEGAN WHITE

It turns out that even when their groupings have a name, it's not necessarily scientifically backed. "We don't wind up using these terms in any kind of serious discussion, but they're entertaining to bring up in casual conversation," Birds and Blooms bird expert Kenn Kaufman says of these "terms of venery" that originated in hunting. "They could have been useful to members of the nobility going out hunting in the Middle Ages in Europe, hoping to bag a brace of ducks," says Kenn. Furthermore, although some are aptly named, such as the more commonly known "murder of crows," some creatures with collective terms don't congregate in groups. As Kenn points out, "It's rare to see enough owls together to constitute a parliament of owls, but it is still fun to say!"

An Exaltation of Larks

The horned lark is the only lark native to North America. It generally forages in flocks (except when it is nesting) and does it while walking or running on the ground, picking up seeds, insects and low-hanging berries as it goes. But it sings from high in the sky, either from perches or while flying.

A murmuration of Starlings