I found the website posted by Steve. Colin See-Paynton's Avian Alphabet, is certainly worth a look, and it would be nice to own a few of these,pricey,Wood engravings. I note that he has also Published a (pricey) book on collective nouns for Birds, ''Of a Feather'' foreward by Sir David... A Zephyr of Long tailed-Tits sounds about right.
-- Edited by keith mills on Sunday 30th of September 2012 11:37:10 AM
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Rumworth List 2019, species to date: 63 Latest: Sand Martin, Reed Bunting, Redshank, Pink-footed Goose, Curlew.
A collective noun for us lot is a 'Convulsion of Birdwatchers' (I thought it was a 'camoflague'
It makes for interesting ...
I also like a 'cover' of coots' a 'tidings' of magpies' and, absolutely, a 'trembling' of finches, presumably in reference to the berry trees trembling when the goldfinch swarms descend
Fascinating stuff indeed John. I am not sure that I can visualize a Herd Of Wrens, but I go with a Squadron of Swans and a favorite a Murmuration of Starlings. At least now I can join the birding fraternity with a Charm of Goldfinch...not something I remember from school.
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Rumworth List 2019, species to date: 63 Latest: Sand Martin, Reed Bunting, Redshank, Pink-footed Goose, Curlew.
Anyone else fascinated by collective nouns for birds? This came up last night at a conference (Proofreaders') and we were racking our brains for certain species.
This makes for great reading: http://collectivenoun.co.uk/- general list of collective nouns, but lots of birds'.
A 'scold' of Jays is fascinating. Also the old favourite, a 'parliament' of owls!
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