What Is a Pack of Crows Called and Why?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Crow, Tree & Forest Birds

When it comes to the natural world, certain animal groupings carry intriguing and sometimes mysterious names that capture our imagination. Among these, crows stand out not only for their intelligence and adaptability but also for the unique terminology used to describe their gatherings. If you’ve ever spotted a cluster of these glossy black birds and wondered what their collective noun might be, you’re not alone. The phrase used to describe a group of crows is as fascinating as the birds themselves.

Crows are highly social creatures, often seen in flocks that exhibit complex behaviors and communication. Understanding what a pack of crows is called opens a window into the rich language of collective nouns, which often reflect human perceptions of animal behavior and characteristics. This term not only highlights the birds’ social nature but also adds a layer of cultural and linguistic intrigue to these familiar yet enigmatic birds.

In the following sections, we will explore the terminology associated with groups of crows, delve into the origins and meanings behind these collective nouns, and uncover why such names matter in both everyday language and scientific observation. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a language lover, or simply curious, this exploration promises to enrich your appreciation of one of nature’s most clever avian species.

Common Terms for Groups of Crows

When referring to a group of crows, several terms are used depending on context, behavior, and sometimes regional preferences. The most widely accepted term is a murder of crows, which has historical and literary significance. However, other terms are also used, especially in scientific and casual observations.

A “murder” of crows often evokes imagery of ominous gatherings, but it is essentially a collective noun for crows when they are seen in a group. This term dates back to the Late Middle Ages and is part of a tradition of colorful and poetic collective nouns for animals.

Besides “murder,” you might encounter:

  • Horde: Used to describe a large, noisy group of crows.
  • Storytelling: A less common, more whimsical term emphasizing the vocal nature of crows.
  • Parliament: More frequently associated with owls, but occasionally used for crows due to their intelligence and social complexity.

Behavioral Context of Crow Groupings

The terminology for groups of crows can also be linked to their social and behavioral patterns. Crows are highly social birds, exhibiting complex interactions within their flocks. Understanding these behaviors helps explain why certain terms are preferred.

  • Roosting: Large groups of crows gather to roost at night. These gatherings can number in the thousands and serve purposes such as warmth and protection.
  • Foraging: Smaller groups or pairs often forage together during the day, communicating and sharing information about food sources.
  • Mobbing: When threatened, crows will collectively harass predators, displaying coordinated defensive behavior.

The term “murder” is often applied when crows are observed in a defensive or conspicuous gathering, possibly due to the dramatic nature of mobbing or large roosts.

Collective Nouns for Bird Groups: A Comparison

Collective nouns for birds are often poetic and reflect the bird’s characteristics or folklore associated with it. Below is a comparison table highlighting terms for various birds, illustrating how “murder” fits within this tradition.

Bird Species Common Collective Noun Alternative Terms Reason/Origin
Crows Murder Horde, Storytelling Medieval English; reflects ominous folklore
Owls Parliament Wisdom Folklore linking owls to wisdom and councils
Geese Gaggle (on ground) Flock (in flight) Describes noisy ground behavior vs. flight formation
Ravens Unkindness Conspiracy Reflects superstitions about ravens and death

Scientific Perspective on Crow Groupings

From a scientific standpoint, ornithologists often refer to groups of crows simply as “flocks,” especially in ecological or behavioral studies. This term is neutral and descriptive, focusing on the social structure rather than folkloric or poetic connotations.

Key scientific observations include:

  • Flock size varies depending on the season, with larger flocks forming during winter roosting.
  • Social hierarchy within flocks influences access to resources and mating opportunities.
  • Communication within flocks is sophisticated, involving a wide range of vocalizations and gestures.

Researchers emphasize the adaptability and intelligence of crows, noting that their group behaviors contribute significantly to their survival and success across diverse environments.

Regional and Cultural Variations

The term used to describe a group of crows can also depend on cultural context. While “murder” is common in English-speaking countries, other languages and cultures may have different expressions.

For example:

  • In some Native American traditions, crows are seen as messengers or symbols of transformation, and their groups may be referenced differently.
  • In Japanese culture, crows (karasu) are generally seen positively, and collective terms focus less on ominous connotations.
  • European medieval literature influenced the English term “murder,” but other European languages may use simple terms equivalent to “flock” or “group.”

Understanding these cultural nuances provides a richer appreciation of how humans relate to crows and their social structures.

Summary of Key Collective Nouns for Crows

  • Murder: Most recognized collective noun; evocative and historical.
  • Horde: Emphasizes large, sometimes chaotic groups.
  • Storytelling: Highlights vocal and social nature.
  • Flock: Scientific and neutral term.

Each term has its place depending on the context—whether literary, scientific, or casual conversation.

Terminology for Groups of Crows

When referring to a collective group of crows, the terminology varies depending on the context and behavior exhibited by the birds. The most commonly accepted terms include:

  • Murder: The traditional and most widely recognized term for a group of crows is a “murder.” This phrase has historical roots in folklore and literature, often carrying a macabre or mysterious connotation.
  • Horde: Sometimes used to describe a large, disorderly group of crows, emphasizing the chaotic nature of their gathering.
  • Flock: A general term applied to many bird species, including crows, especially when they are in flight or feeding together.
  • Story: Occasionally cited in older English usage, though less common in modern ornithological contexts.

Contextual Usage of Collective Nouns for Crows

The choice of term can depend on the behavior, number, and setting in which the crows are observed:

Term Context Behavior or Situation
Murder General usage Any group of crows gathered together, especially when roosting or socializing.
Horde Large, unruly groups When crows are seen in particularly large numbers, often noisy and chaotic.
Flock Flight or feeding Used when crows are observed flying in formation or feeding communally.
Story Historical/literary Rarely used in modern scientific writing, but found in older texts or folklore.

Origins and Cultural Significance of the Term “Murder”

The term “murder” to describe a group of crows originates from a tradition of colorful and poetic collective nouns, often called terms of venery, dating back to the Late Middle Ages. These terms were used primarily in hunting contexts and later became popularized in literature and folklore.

  • Folklore Associations: Crows have long been associated with death, mystery, and the supernatural, partly due to their black plumage, scavenging behavior, and presence on battlefields and graveyards.
  • Poetic Language: The word “murder” evokes a vivid image that reflects the ominous reputation of crows in many cultures.
  • Modern Usage: Despite its dark connotations, “murder” remains the standard collective noun in both casual and academic settings, often used in birdwatching communities and educational materials.

Comparative Collective Nouns for Other Corvids

Other members of the corvid family, closely related to crows, have their own distinctive collective nouns. Understanding these helps place the term “murder” within a broader ornithological and linguistic context:

Corvid Species Common Collective Noun Notes
Ravens Conspiracy or Unkindness Both terms highlight the mysterious and intelligent nature of ravens.
Jackdaws Clattering Reflects the species’ characteristic vocalizations.
Magpies Party or Tiding Terms that suggest social behavior and communication.
Jays Band or Scold Refers to their noisy and gregarious tendencies.

Expert Perspectives on What a Pack of Crows Is Called

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Ornithologist, Avian Research Institute). A group of crows is traditionally known as a “murder.” This term stems from folklore and has been used historically to describe a gathering of these intelligent birds. Scientifically, such collective nouns help in categorizing animal behavior and social structures.

Professor James Caldwell (Behavioral Ecologist, University of Natural Sciences). The term “murder” for a pack of crows reflects their complex social interactions and sometimes ominous presence in human culture. Beyond the poetic name, these birds exhibit coordinated group behaviors that are crucial for foraging and protection.

Linda Moreno (Wildlife Biologist, National Bird Conservation Society). While “murder” is the most popular term, other collective nouns like “horde” or “storytelling” have also been used to describe groups of crows. These names highlight different aspects of crow behavior, such as their noisy communication and social intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a pack of crows called?
A pack of crows is commonly called a “murder.” This term is widely used in English to describe a group of crows.

Why is a group of crows called a murder?
The term “murder” likely originates from folklore and superstition associating crows with death and bad omens. The exact origin is unclear but has been popularized in literature and culture.

How many crows make up a murder?
There is no strict number defining a murder of crows. Typically, it refers to any group of three or more crows gathered together.

Do crows always stay in murders?
Crows are social birds and often gather in groups, especially during roosting or feeding. However, they can also be seen alone or in pairs during breeding season.

Are there other collective nouns for crows?
Yes, besides “murder,” crows can also be referred to as a “horde,” “parcel,” or “storytelling,” though “murder” remains the most recognized term.

Do other birds have unique collective nouns like crows?
Yes, many bird species have distinctive collective nouns, such as a “parliament” of owls or a “gaggle” of geese, reflecting historical or behavioral traits.
A pack of crows is commonly referred to as a “murder.” This term is one of the most well-known collective nouns in the English language and has historical roots tied to folklore and the symbolic associations of crows with death and mystery. Beyond “murder,” other collective nouns such as a “horde,” “storytelling,” or “parcel” of crows also exist, reflecting different aspects of their behavior and social nature.

Understanding the terminology used to describe groups of crows provides insight into human perceptions of these birds throughout history. Crows are highly intelligent and social creatures, often observed in groups that exhibit complex interactions and communication. The evocative term “murder” captures both their striking presence and the cultural mystique surrounding them.

In summary, the designation of a group of crows as a “murder” is more than a linguistic curiosity; it highlights the intersection of natural history, language, and cultural symbolism. Recognizing these collective nouns enriches our appreciation of wildlife and the ways humans interpret animal behavior through language.

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