Tips

flock

“Flock” is used to name a group of animals of the same type. So, we talk about a flock of geese, a flock of seagulls or, more generally, a flock of birds.

The word “flock” implies that the animals behave as a group, often following each other. This is why we can also talk about a flock of sheep.

herd

The word “herd” usually refers to a group of larger animals that live and feed together.

So, we talk about a herd of cows, a herd of donkeys or a herd of horses.

If we want to emphasize the fact that they live and eat together, we can also talk about a herd of sheep.

litter

The word “litter” refers to a group of baby animals that are born at the same time to the same mother.

Especially baby cats, dogs and pigs are named in this way, so we talk about a litter of kittens, a litter of puppies or a litter of piglets.

The “runt” is the smallest animal in the litter.

pack

The word “pack” is used to name groups of animals that hunt together or are kept for hunting.

So, we talk about a pack of wolves or a pack of dogs.

We can also speak about a pack of rats. Interestingly, the term “rat pack” refers to a group of journalists or photographers hunting down scandalous stories about celebrities. And a “pack rat” is a person who hoards things.

school

The word “school” or “shoal” is used for large groups of animals that live in the sea and swim together.

So, we talk about a school / shoal of fish or a school of

dolphins, as well as a school of whales or a school of sharks.