Introduction
Rodents make up the largest group of mammals on Earth, over 40% of all mammal species belong to the order Rodentia. From tiny gerbils to industrious beavers, rodents share one defining trait: a pair of ever-growing front incisors that they must constantly gnaw to keep in check. This single adaptation has let rodents thrive in nearly every habitat on the planet, from city sewers to alpine forests, and it’s exactly why they’re such prolific chewers, diggers, and builders.
Collective Nouns for Rodents
| Animal | Collective Noun | Full Term | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beavers | Colony | A Colony of Beavers | |
| Beavers | Family | A Family of Beavers | |
| Beavers | Lodge | A Lodge of Beavers | |
| Gerbils | Horde | A Horde of Gerbils | |
| Hamsters | Horde | A Horde of Hamsters | |
| Porcupines | Prickle | A Prickle of Porcupines | |
| Prairie Dogs | Coterie | A Coterie of Prairie Dogs | |
| Prairie Dogs | Town | A Town of Prairie Dogs | |
| Rats | Colony | A Colony of Rats | |
| Rats | Horde | A Horde of Rats | |
| Rats | Kingdom | A Kingdom of Rats | |
| Rats | Mischief | A Mischief of Rats | |
| Rats | Pack | A Pack of Rats | |
| Rats | Plague | A Plague of Rats | |
| Rats | Rabble | A Rabble of Rats | |
| Rats | Swarm | A Swarm of Rats | |
| Squirrels | Church | A Church of Squirrels | |
| Squirrels | Colony | A Colony of Squirrels | |
| Squirrels | Dray | A Dray of Squirrels | |
| Squirrels | Scurry | A Scurry of Squirrels |
Quick FAQ
What makes an animal a rodent?
A single pair of continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaw, which rodents must gnaw on to keep from overgrowing.
Are rabbits rodents?
No. Rabbits and hares belong to a separate order called Lagomorpha, despite the common mix-up.
Why are rodents so successful as a group?
Fast reproduction, adaptable diets, and small size let rodents colonize nearly every environment on Earth, from deserts to cities.
Interesting Facts
- Rodents make up roughly 40% of all mammal species on Earth.
- A beaver’s teeth are coated in iron, giving them a distinctive orange color and extra strength for gnawing through wood.
- Squirrels forget where they bury a significant portion of their food caches, accidentally planting countless trees in the process.
- Naked mole rats, close rodent relatives, can live for decades and are remarkably resistant to cancer.
Before the Colony Scurries Off…
Rodents may be small, but their impact on ecosystems, and on human history, is enormous. They shape forests, aerate soil, spread seeds, and occupy nearly every corner of the globe. Their collective nouns capture just how varied and clever these animals are, whether they’re gathered in a horde, a colony, or a mischief. Explore the list below to discover the group names used for rats, squirrels, beavers, and more!