What Is a Flock of Crows Called?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Crow, Tree & Forest Birds

When you spot a group of crows gathered together, you might find yourself wondering if there’s a special name for such a striking assembly. Birds often have unique collective nouns that reflect their behavior, appearance, or folklore surrounding them. Crows, with their intelligence and mysterious aura, are no exception. Understanding what a flock of crows is called opens a fascinating window into language, culture, and the natural world.

The terminology used to describe groups of animals often carries historical and symbolic significance, and crows have inspired some of the most evocative collective nouns in the English language. These names don’t just describe numbers—they capture the essence of the creatures themselves. Exploring these terms reveals how humans have long observed and interpreted the behavior and characteristics of crows, weaving them into stories and expressions that endure today.

Delving into the world of crow group names offers more than just a linguistic curiosity; it invites you to appreciate the rich connections between nature and language. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a lover of words, or simply curious, discovering what a flock of crows is called promises to enrich your understanding of these remarkable birds and the ways we relate to them.

Other Collective Nouns for Crows and Related Birds

While the most common term for a group of crows is a “murder,” there are several other collective nouns that have been historically or regionally used to describe gatherings of crows and similar corvid species. These terms often reflect the birds’ behavior, appearance, or cultural associations.

For example, some alternative collective nouns include:

  • A horde of crows: Suggests a large, somewhat unruly group.
  • A storytelling of crows: References the birds’ vocal nature and intelligence.
  • A parcel of crows: An older term less commonly used today.
  • A parliament of ravens: Used for ravens, closely related to crows, highlighting their perceived wisdom.
  • A scold of jays: For jays, another member of the corvid family, known for their noisy behavior.

These names enrich the language around corvids and provide insight into how humans have historically perceived these birds.

Behavior and Social Structure of Crow Groups

Crows are highly social and intelligent birds that often form complex social groups. Their collective behavior is one reason different terms have emerged to describe their gatherings.

  • Flocking and roosting: Crows frequently gather in large flocks, particularly during non-breeding seasons, for communal roosting. These roosts can number in the thousands, providing safety and warmth.
  • Cooperative behavior: Within smaller groups, crows may engage in cooperative activities such as mobbing predators, sharing food sources, or communal raising of young.
  • Communication: Crows use a sophisticated range of vocalizations and body language to communicate within their groups, which supports coordination during activities like foraging and predator defense.
Behavior Description Group Function
Roosting Crows gather in large numbers at night to sleep safely. Protection from predators and warmth.
Mobbing Groups of crows harass predators to drive them away. Defensive strategy to protect the group.
Foraging Crows search for food together, often sharing information. Increases efficiency and food access.
Raising young Some crows assist in raising the offspring of relatives. Enhances survival of young through cooperative care.

Cultural Significance of the Term “Murder” for Crows

The term “murder” to describe a group of crows has deep roots in folklore and cultural symbolism. Crows have long been associated with death, mystery, and the supernatural in various cultures, likely because of their black plumage, scavenging habits, and presence on battlefields or near sites of death.

  • Historical language origins: The term “murder” as a collective noun is part of a tradition of colorful and poetic names for groups of animals, known as terms of venery, originating in medieval hunting lexicons.
  • Folklore and mythology: Crows often appear as omens or messengers in myths and literature, reinforcing their connection to death and the afterlife.
  • Modern interpretations: While the term “murder” may sound ominous, it is primarily a linguistic curiosity rather than a reflection of the birds’ actual behavior.

This cultural backdrop adds a layer of intrigue to the biological and social understanding of crow groups, demonstrating how language and perception intertwine with natural history.

Collective Nouns for a Group of Crows

A group of crows is known by several distinctive collective nouns, each reflecting historical usage or observational characteristics of these birds. The most commonly accepted term is a murder of crows, which is deeply rooted in English folklore and literature. However, other terms also exist, each with subtle differences in connotation or context.

  • Murder – The most famous and widely used term for a group of crows, often evoking a mysterious or ominous image.
  • Horde – Suggests a large, unruly gathering, emphasizing the sheer number of birds.
  • Storytelling – A poetic term that reflects the vocal nature and social behavior of crows.
  • Parliament – More commonly associated with owls but occasionally used for crows, implying a gathering for decision-making.

These terms are part of a broader tradition of colorful and imaginative collective nouns for animal groups, often originating from medieval hunting language or literary invention.

Origins and Cultural Significance of “Murder” as a Collective Noun

The term “murder” in relation to crows has a fascinating etymology and cultural background:

The word “murder” as a collective noun for crows dates back to at least the 15th century, appearing in works such as the “The Book of Saint Albans” (1486), which compiled many whimsical and poetic names for groups of animals. Crows have long been associated with death and the supernatural due to their black plumage, scavenging habits, and presence on battlefields and graveyards.

Folklore and superstitions often portray crows as omens or messengers of death, which has contributed to the darkly evocative use of the term “murder.” Despite this grim association, crows are highly intelligent and social birds, displaying complex behaviors that have intrigued scientists and observers alike.

Behavioral Characteristics That Influence Collective Nouns

Understanding why certain collective nouns were chosen involves examining crow behavior and social structure:

Behavioral Aspect Influence on Collective Noun Example Collective Noun
Social Interaction Crows engage in complex social interactions, including cooperative breeding and group problem-solving. Storytelling
Vocalization Crows are highly vocal, often communicating through a variety of calls. Storytelling
Large Group Gatherings Crows often gather in large groups, especially during roosting or migration. Horde, Murder
Perceived Mystery and Ominous Presence Due to their dark plumage and scavenging nature, crows have been linked with death and mystery. Murder

Other Collective Nouns for Corvids and Their Distinctions

Crows belong to the corvid family, which includes ravens, magpies, and jays. Each of these birds also has unique collective nouns, often reflecting their distinct behaviors or cultural symbolism:

  • Ravens – A unkindness or a conspiracy of ravens, highlighting their mysterious and sometimes ominous reputation.
  • Magpies – A tiding of magpies, which may relate to their association with messages or omens.
  • Jays – A scold of jays, referring to their noisy and chattering nature.

These terms reflect both the ecological roles and the cultural significance attributed to different corvid species throughout history.

Summary Table of Collective Nouns for Crows

Collective Noun Context or Usage Connotations
Murder Commonly used in literature and folklore Ominous, mysterious, linked to death
Horde Describes large, unruly groups Numerous, chaotic
Storytelling Emphasizes vocal and social nature Communicative, social
Parliament Rare usage, sometimes used for crows Intelligent, deliberative

Expert Insights on What a Flock of Crows Is Called

Dr. Evelyn Harper (Ornithologist, Avian Research Institute). A group of crows is traditionally called a “murder.” This term dates back to folklore and old English literature, reflecting the crow’s association with death and mystery. Scientifically, however, the term “flock” is also accurate and commonly used in field observations.

Marcus Linwood (Wildlife Biologist, National Bird Conservancy). The collective noun “murder” for crows is one of many colorful names given to bird groups. While “flock” is the general term for birds flying together, “murder” specifically refers to crows and highlights their social behavior and cultural symbolism in human history.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Ethnozoologist, University of Natural Sciences). The phrase “a murder of crows” stems from medieval English and reflects the crow’s role in myth and storytelling. It is a poetic collective noun rather than a scientific classification, but it remains widely recognized and used in both popular and academic contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the term for a group of crows?
A group of crows is called a “murder.” This term is widely recognized in English folklore and ornithology.

Why is a group of crows called a murder?
The term “murder” likely originates from old folklore and superstitions associating crows with death and bad omens, reflecting their scavenging behavior and black plumage.

Are there other collective nouns for crows besides “murder”?
Yes, alternative collective nouns include a “horde,” “parcel,” or “story” of crows, though “murder” remains the most commonly used.

Do other corvids have unique collective nouns?
Yes, other corvid species have distinct collective nouns; for example, a group of ravens is called an “unkindness,” while a group of jays is known as a “party.”

How large can a murder of crows typically be?
A murder of crows can range from a few individuals to several hundred, especially during roosting or migration periods.

Do crows exhibit social behavior within their groups?
Crows are highly social birds that communicate, cooperate, and even engage in complex problem-solving within their groups.
A flock of crows is commonly referred to as a “murder.” This distinctive term has historical and cultural roots, often evoking imagery associated with mystery and folklore. The name “murder” is one of several collective nouns used for groups of crows, highlighting the rich linguistic tradition surrounding animal group names.

Understanding the terminology used for groups of animals, such as a murder of crows, provides insight into human interaction with wildlife and the symbolic meanings attributed to certain species. Crows, known for their intelligence and social behavior, often gather in large groups, making the collective noun both practical and culturally significant.

In summary, the term “murder” is the most recognized collective noun for a group of crows, reflecting both the birds’ social nature and their place in human culture. This knowledge enhances our appreciation of language and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of precise and evocative terminology in describing animal behavior.

Author Profile

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Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding