The tradition caught on with others, and the game it started to spread
So instead of just saying “There’s a group of critters!” they called them this instead
A group of Buffalo is an Obstinacy, and Kangaroos are Mobs
Elk form Gangs, Snakes make Nests, and Dolphins swim in Pods
Monkeys come in a Barrels, and Pigs, they love their Passels
Goldfish are a Troubling, but they’re really not a hassle
Woodpeckers are in a Descent, and there’s a nice Bouquet of Pheasant
Starlings dance in Murmurations when more than one are present
Bullfinches like to Bellow, Peacocks have their Ostentations
Geese, they tend to Gaggle, and Eagles meet in Convocations
There’s a Conspiracy of those Lemurs ’round the Murder of the Crows
And while Guinea Fowl are a Confusion, try to untie a Knot of Toads
Jaguars move in Shadows, and Lions have their Prides
Buzzards hold a Wake, Porcupines Prickle, and Bees, they live in Hives
Bats are found in Cauldrons, and Cobras coil in a Quiver
Wolves, they hunt in Packs, and Sharks, they make you Shiver
Foxes, they Skulk, Donkeys follow Pace, Crabs have their Consortiums
Owls hold a Parliament, and Cockroaches are an Intrusion
Litters are for Kittens, but Cats, they come in Clowders
Clams are found lying in Beds, but are much better in chowders
Most Fish go to School, but Trout just like to Hover
And while Nightingales tend to Watch, Coots, they have a Cover
Ferrets are a Business and Baboons are a Congress
neither are much good at making any progress
Apes, they come in Shrewdness upon a Sloth of Bears
Tigers are an Ambush, and they’re lurking everywhere
Parrots are a Pandemonium and there’s a Thunder of Hippopotamuses
Hyenas like to Cackle at the Crash of Rhinoceroses
Armies are for Caterpillars, Herring, Frogs, and Ants
There are many Tribes of Goats, but Parades are for Elephants
Platypi are in a Puddle, and Gators form in Congregations
Cheetahs have Coalitions, Wombats Wisdoms, and Larks sing in Exaltations
Its quite a Labor for Moles, and Giraffes, they form a Tower
and while Grasshoppers come in a Cloud, there’s a Maelstrom of Salamanders
Ducks fly in a Flock, but they’re a Raft if they’re on water
And though Leopards like to Leap, to get a Romp, you need some Otters
Squirrels know how to Scurry, and Rabbits form their Warrens
Have a Gulp of Cormorants, a Kettle of Hawks, or try a Siege of Herons
It’s a Pitying for Turtle Doves, and Gorillas form a Band
There’s a Kaleidoscope of Butterflies, and Flamingos like to Stand
There’s a Flock of Sheep, a Jellyfish Bloom, and Martens have their Richness
While Ravens are known for Unkindness, who wouldn’t love a Charm of Finches
Penguins live in Colonies, and Quails are in their Coveys
Jays throw Parties, Weasels Sneak, and Swans, they have their Bevies
Snails have Hoods, Lobsters are a Risk, and Zebras do have Zeal
Just remember that all of these critters are more than just for meals
That’s what I know about venery, and I hope you like what I did
because I’ll never get a round of applause from an Audience of Squid
