Quick vocab question: What is a chattering? To you, the word probably means talking fast and foolishly. But a biologist would tell you that a chattering is also a group of starlings (birds). Here are some other interesting terms for animal groups — along with their meaning in their more familiar "people meanings," too.

• A convocation of eagles: A convocation is a group, especially an academic assembly. When everyone assembles or is convoked in the school's auditorium to hear a speaker, that's a convocation.
• An exaltation of larks: Exaltation is a feeling of great joy and pride. When you master all the words on your SAT vocabulary list, you'll feel exaltation.
• A muster of peacocks: To muster is to summon, to collect, and to gather together. The cliché "to muster up the courage" means to summon up your bravery. You muster the courage to confront the school bully.
• A parliament of owls: A parliament is a council or legislative body, something like a Congress. Wise people are in the parliament; owls are stereotyped as wise animals.
• A skulk of foxes: To skulk is to slink, to move in a stealthy or sinister manner. You would skulk around the neighborhood if you were spying on your sweetie, trying to see whether he or she is seeing anyone else.