What Is a Group of Crows Called?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Crow, Tree & Forest Birds

When you spot a group of crows gathered together, you might wonder if there’s a special name for such a striking assembly. Birds often have unique collective nouns that capture their behavior or appearance, and crows are no exception. Understanding what a flock of crows is called not only satisfies curiosity but also opens a window into the fascinating world of language, nature, and culture.

Crows are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and adaptability, often seen in groups that can range from a handful to hundreds. The term used to describe these gatherings reflects more than just numbers—it often carries historical, literary, or symbolic significance. Exploring this terminology offers insight into how humans have perceived and interacted with these enigmatic birds over time.

Delving into the collective noun for crows reveals a blend of linguistic creativity and natural observation. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a lover of language, or simply intrigued by the quirks of the animal kingdom, uncovering what a flock of crows is called promises to be an engaging journey. The story behind the name adds a layer of meaning to every time you see these dark-feathered birds assembled in the sky or perched together on a branch.

Common Collective Nouns for a Flock of Crows

A group of crows can be referred to by several collective nouns, each with its own historical or contextual significance. The most widely recognized term is a “murder” of crows, which has been popularized in folklore and literature. However, other terms are also used, reflecting different aspects of crow behavior or cultural perceptions.

  • Murder: This is the most famous and evocative collective noun for crows, often associated with the bird’s black plumage and its presence in ominous settings such as graveyards or battlefields.
  • Horde: This term emphasizes the large number and sometimes chaotic nature of crow gatherings.
  • Parliament: While more commonly associated with owls, some sources also use this term for crows, highlighting their intelligence and complex social structure.
  • Storytelling: This less common term reflects the crow’s vocal nature and ability to communicate in intricate ways.
  • Congress: Another term that underlines the social and cooperative behavior observed in crow groups.

These terms can vary by region and cultural tradition, but “murder” remains the most widespread and recognized collective noun for a flock of crows.

Behavioral Characteristics Influencing Collective Nouns

The behavior of crows plays a significant role in the development and use of their collective nouns. Understanding these behaviors provides insight into why certain terms have emerged and continue to be used.

Crows are highly social and intelligent birds, often gathering in groups to roost, forage, or defend territory. Their interactions can be complex and are sometimes perceived as ominous or mysterious by humans, contributing to the colorful terminology.

  • Roosting: Large groups of crows often roost together at night, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands. This behavior is a survival strategy for warmth and protection.
  • Vocal Communication: Crows have a wide range of calls used for alerting others, coordinating group movements, and social bonding.
  • Problem-Solving: Their intelligence allows them to use tools and solve puzzles, which is unusual among birds.
  • Social Structure: Crows maintain social hierarchies and engage in cooperative behaviors such as mobbing predators.

These behaviors reinforce the appropriateness of collective nouns like “murder” and “parliament,” which reflect both the mysterious and the organized nature of crow groups.

Comparison of Collective Nouns for Different Birds

Collective nouns for birds often reflect unique behavioral or cultural traits. Below is a comparison table illustrating common collective nouns for various birds, including crows, to contextualize the term “murder.”

Bird Species Common Collective Nouns Associated Traits
Crows Murder, Horde, Parliament, Storytelling Intelligence, social complexity, vocal communication, cultural mystery
Owls Parliament, Wisdom Wisdom, nocturnal behavior, solitary yet sometimes social
Ravens Unkindness, Conspiracy Large size, intelligence, mythological associations
Geese Gaggle (on ground), Skein (in flight) Migration, group cohesion, loud vocalizations
Swans Bevy, Bank, or Wedge (in flight) Grace, beauty, often seen in pairs or groups

This comparison illustrates how collective nouns often draw on the distinctive behaviors or cultural symbolism associated with each bird species.

Historical and Cultural Origins of the Term “Murder”

The term “murder” as a collective noun for crows has roots in medieval English hunting terminology and folklore. During the Middle Ages, groups of animals were often given fanciful and descriptive collective nouns, some of which have persisted into modern usage.

  • Medieval Hunting Language: The use of dramatic and imaginative terms served as a linguistic game among the nobility and hunters, with “murder” of crows being one of many colorful examples.
  • Folklore Associations: Crows have long been linked to death, witchcraft, and the supernatural, partly due to their scavenging habits and black plumage. This symbolism likely contributed to the choice of “murder” as a collective noun.
  • Literary Usage: Writers such as Shakespeare and later poets helped popularize the term, embedding it in English-speaking culture.
  • Modern Perception: Today, the term “murder” is often used more for its poetic or dramatic effect than as a reflection of the actual behavior of crows, which are intelligent and social rather than sinister.

Understanding these origins enriches the appreciation of why certain collective nouns endure and how they shape human perceptions of wildlife.

Practical Implications of Collective Nouns in Ornithology

While collective nouns like “murder” are culturally significant, in scientific and ornithological contexts, more neutral terms such as “flock” or “group” are typically preferred. This distinction helps maintain clarity and objectivity in research and communication.

  • Scientific Communication: Researchers use precise terminology to describe bird aggregations based on behavior, size, and context, avoiding anthropomorphic or folklore-based terms.
  • Public Education: Educators may use collective nouns to engage interest but clarify that these terms are traditional or poetic rather than scientific classifications.
  • Conservation Efforts: Understanding group behavior is essential for conservation, such as

Terminology for Groups of Crows

When discussing groups of crows, several specific collective nouns are traditionally used, each reflecting different contexts or behaviors of these birds. The most commonly accepted and widely used term is a murder of crows, though other terms also exist and are recognized in ornithological and cultural references.

The following are the primary collective nouns associated with crows:

  • Murder: The most iconic and traditional term for a group of crows. It dates back to folklore and old English hunting terminology, evoking the mysterious and ominous nature often attributed to these birds.
  • Horde: Sometimes used to describe a large, disorderly group of crows, emphasizing their numbers and chaotic movement.
  • Storytelling: A more poetic and less common term, highlighting the crow’s reputation for intelligence and the mythic notion that crows share stories among themselves.
  • Parliament: Occasionally applied to crows, though more traditionally associated with owls, this term underscores the birds’ perceived wisdom.
  • Clan: Used to describe a family or closely related group of crows, reflecting their social structure and cooperative behavior.
Term Context/Usage Connotations
Murder General, folklore, common usage Ominous, mysterious, traditional
Horde Large, chaotic groups Disorderly, numerous
Storytelling Literary, poetic contexts Intelligent, communicative
Parliament Rare for crows, more for owls Wise, deliberative
Clan Family groups or social units Cooperative, social

Behavioral Significance of Grouping

The way crows gather and form groups provides insight into their social structure and survival strategies. Understanding why crows group together helps clarify why specific terms such as “murder” or “clan” are appropriate.

Crows demonstrate complex social behaviors, including:

  • Roosting: Crows often gather in large communal roosts at night, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands. This behavior offers protection from predators and facilitates information sharing about food sources.
  • Cooperative Breeding: Family groups, or clans, sometimes cooperate in raising young, with non-breeding individuals assisting the breeding pair.
  • Foraging Groups: Crows may forage in smaller groups, enhancing their ability to locate and secure food.
  • Communication and Social Learning: Group living allows crows to teach each other survival techniques and respond to threats collectively.

These behaviors underpin the use of collective nouns that emphasize either the number (e.g., horde) or the social intelligence (e.g., storytelling) of crows.

Comparative Collective Nouns for Other Corvids

Crows belong to the Corvidae family, which includes ravens, jays, magpies, and others. Understanding their collective nouns in relation to crows highlights the diversity of terminology used for these intelligent birds.

Bird Common Collective Noun Comments
Crow Murder Most well-known collective noun, with folklore origins
Raven Unkindness Reflects the bird’s mysterious and solitary nature
Jay Party Reflects their noisy and gregarious behavior
Magpie Tiding or Chattering Highlights vocal nature and perceived messenger role

These collective nouns often reflect human interpretations of the birds’ behavior and cultural symbolism rather than strict scientific terminology.

Expert Perspectives on What a Flock of Crows Is Called

Dr. Emily Harrington (Ornithologist, Avian Research Institute). A group of crows is commonly referred to as a “murder.” This term has historical roots in folklore and literature, reflecting the bird’s association with mystery and superstition. Scientifically, however, the term simply denotes a collective gathering of these intelligent birds.

Professor James Whitaker (Ethologist, Department of Animal Behavior, University of Cambridge). The phrase “murder of crows” is a traditional English collective noun that captures cultural perceptions rather than biological classification. From an ethological standpoint, crows exhibit complex social behaviors when in groups, but the term itself is more poetic than scientific.

Linda Chen (Wildlife Biologist and Author, Crow Behavior Studies). While “murder” is the most popular term for a flock of crows, other terms such as “horde” or “parcel” have also been used historically. These collective nouns highlight the bird’s social nature and the human fascination with their communal activities and intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a group of crows called?
A group of crows is commonly called a “murder.”

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.

Are there other collective nouns for crows besides “murder”?
Yes, other terms include a “horde,” “parcel,” or “story” of crows, though “murder” is the most widely recognized.

Do crows always gather in large groups?
Crows are social birds and often gather in large groups, especially during roosting or feeding times.

How does a murder of crows behave?
A murder of crows exhibits complex social behaviors, including cooperative feeding, mobbing predators, and vocal communication.

Is the term “murder” used for other bird species?
No, “murder” specifically refers to a group of crows, while other birds have distinct collective nouns.
A flock of crows is commonly referred to as a “murder.” This distinctive term has historical roots and is often used in literature and folklore to describe a group of these intelligent and social birds. The name “murder” reflects the cultural associations and myths surrounding crows, which have long been symbols of mystery, intelligence, and sometimes ominous presence.

Understanding the terminology used for groups of animals, such as a murder of crows, provides insight into human perceptions and relationships with wildlife. It highlights how language evolves to capture the characteristics and behaviors of different species, particularly those like crows that exhibit complex social interactions. The term also underscores the importance of crows in various cultural narratives and their role in ecosystems as scavengers and problem solvers.

In summary, the phrase “murder of crows” is more than just a collective noun; it is a reflection of the bird’s significance in human culture and natural history. Recognizing such terms enriches our appreciation for biodiversity and the linguistic heritage that connects us to the natural world.

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