Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Animal Appellations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Southernmost Texas boasts a fascinating variety of wildlife, and these denizens of Rio Grande Valley wildlands sport a dazzling array of animal appellations, such as this “congregation” of gators.

If you spot a group of javelina, then you can correctly refer to them as a "squadron".

When it is a gathering of wild pigs, the correct nomenclature is a “sounder”.  Apparently, this is due to the porcine sounds the creatures create. 

Now, when it comes to rattlesnakes, if you are fortunate enough to see several together, then that is a “rhumba.”  Supposedly, all that rattling might make you want to dance or perhaps dash.

Guess what a group of tortoises is called?  That would be a “creep,” and obviously, regarding their somewhat ponderous gait.

In keeping with the spirit of animal appellations, a group of armadillos is a “roll,” and that is what a dillo sometimes does if threatened. 

One of my favorites is the plural of skunks, which is a “surfeit,” and if perfume is being dispensed with tail raised, even one is a surfeit. 

On to birds, we have a “skein” of geese if in flight, but a “gaggle” if gathered on the ground or water.

A “raft” of ducks is nice, or perhaps a “commotion” of coots.   

I like a “parliament” of owls and a “charm” of hummingbirds, or how about a “kaleidoscope” of butterflies?

If the sentinels of death appear, then they may be called a “committee of vultures,” but if they are encountered dining on a carcass, then they are aptly described as a “wake.” 

We don’t get many flamingos in South Texas, but if you do spot a couple, then you are entitled to say a “flamboyance” of flamingos.

I promise I did not make any of these up, and I don’t know who did, but I can’t help but chuckle at a “pandemonium” of parrots.