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
Denne historien er fra October/November 2024-utgaven av Birds & Blooms.
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Denne historien er fra October/November 2024-utgaven av Birds & Blooms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Maple Mania
Amazing facts about this fall foliage mainstay
Sense or Nonsense?
Why some birds can taste and smell - but others can't
IN GOOD COMPANY
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YOUR OWN Perfect Prairie
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ON THE MOVE
Birds approach the challenges of migration in surprising ways. Learn about how they walk, swim or take the scenic route during their travels.
Autumn Wonders
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Sparrow Look-Alikes
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Embracing the Darkness
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Red-Hot Plants
Scarlet-hued berries add a pop of color to any garden
Food-Focused and Fierce
Meet Canada jays and learn why they eat almost anything they can find