This spring, we've all been stampeding like panicky buffalo toward herd immunity. But what is it? Will we achieve it? Is there a way to exempt telemarketers from it?

I can't answer any of these questions, but this seems like the perfect moment to visit the zany zoo of names for groups of animals. We all know that geese gather in a gaggle, sheep shelter in a flock and fish swim in a school (especially a school with classroom aquariums). But you may be less familiar with an unkindness of ravens, a piteousness of doves and a murmuration of starlings.

The technical name for these designations is "terms of venery." ("Venery" is a fancy, French-based word for hunting.) While medieval hunters waited in swamps and forests for their prey, they passed the time with storytelling and healthy draughts from ye olde flagon. Enough said.

Many names mimic the political, social or economic structures of humans: a parliament of owls, a colony of ants, a convocation of eagles, a conspiracy of lemurs, a mustering of storks, a watch of nightingales (night watch, get it?), a business of ferrets (those telemarketers again).

Other terms screech with the dangers of feral breeds. The three people who have ever seen a rhinoceros burst out of the underbrush and lived to tell the tale will understand the origin of "a crash of rhinoceroses." Likewise, we dread a shiver of sharks, an ambush of tigers, a prickle of porcupines, a quiver of cobras, a stench of skunks, a fever of stingrays and a murder of crows (think "The Birds").

But in most cases, hunters' names reflect more savory and endearing traits of animals. My favorite terms capture the beauty and splendor of specific species. Who could possibly resist a pride of lions, a charm of finches or an exaltation of larks?

Now see whether you can match some critters with the name for their posse. (Wild card: Two terms are slyly derived from something the animal DOESN'T do.) Are you game?

Animals:

1. Leopards; 2. Peacocks; 3. Foxes; 4. Bears; 5. Flamingos; 6. Parrots; 7. Ducks; 8. Goats; 9. Squirrels; 10. Apes; 11. Hyenas; 12. Giraffes; 13. Crocodiles; 14. Camels; 15. Mules.

Groups:

A. Tower; B. Scurry; C. Ostentation; D. Shrewdness; E. Skulk; F. Cackle; G. Trip; H. Leap; I. Caravan; J. Paddling; K. Bask; L. Sloth; M. Pandemonium; N. Stand; O. Barren.

Answers:

1. H 2. C 3. E 4. L 5. N 6. M 7. J 8. G (they rarely do) 9. B 10. D 11. F 12. A 13. K 14. I 15. O (mules can't reproduce).

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to WordGuy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Photo credit: bertvthul at Pixabay