Did you know a group of crows is called a murder? Or that flamingos gather in a flamboyance? English is full of collective nouns in English—some common, some quirky—that make your speaking more vivid and memorable.

Let’s look at some of the most common and surprising collective nouns in English, along with playful ways to remember them.

Common collective nouns

These are the ones you’re most likely to hear in daily life:

• • A pride of lions
  • A herd of elephants
  • A school of fish
  • A flock of birds
  • A herd of cattle

Practical and easy to use, these words often appear in everyday conversations about animals and nature.

Quirky & surprising ones

English also has some unusual group names that spark curiosity:

• A parliament of owls — they look wise and serious.
• A prickle of porcupines — sharp and spiky!
• A dazzle of zebras — their stripes shimmer like magic.
• A murder of crows — it sounds dark, but it’s just a flock.
• A flamboyance of flamingos — as colorful as their feathers.

These playful terms make English more vivid — and they’re great for impressing friends, classmates, or teachers.

Quick quiz

What do you call a group of wolves?

1. flock
2. pack
3. school

Answer: pack. 

Fun ways to remember them

• Roleplay a wildlife documentary: “Now we see a pride of lions resting…”
• Draw or meme it: make a flamboyance of flamingos in funny costumes.
• Rhyme it out: “A pack of wolves, a flock of birds, a murder of crows…”

Playful learning sticks better than rote memorization. 

Why this vocabulary matters

At LIA, we believe learning English should be more than memorizing grammar rules. Surprising facts like these:

• Make learning fun and engaging
• Build vocabulary and confidence
• Improve memory through real-world context

When you enjoy what you’re learning, you’ll use it more naturally. That’s why LIA classes are active, playful, and meaningful — not just about worksheets.

Learn English the fun way

With LIA, you don’t just study—you speak, play, explore, and laugh while learning. Curious to try? Explore our Programs or Contact page to find the right class. For a quick external read on collective nouns, see this short guide from Merriam-Webster.