What Do You Call a Group of Birds: Flock and More

A group of birds is most commonly called a flock, but depending on the species and context, there are many poetic and historically rich collective nouns such as a murmuration of starlings, a parliament of owls, or a colony of puffins. These evocative terms go beyond simple biological classification—they reflect centuries of human observation, folklore, and linguistic creativity. Understanding what you call a group of birds not only enriches birdwatching experiences but also deepens appreciation for avian behavior and cultural symbolism.

The Science Behind Bird Groupings: Why Birds Flock Together

From a biological standpoint, the term flock applies universally to any gathering of birds, whether they're flying in formation, foraging on the ground, or roosting in trees. This social behavior offers several evolutionary advantages:

• Predator avoidance: In large numbers, birds benefit from the "many eyes" effect—more individuals scanning for danger increases survival odds.
• Improved foraging efficiency: One bird finding food can signal others, leading to faster discovery of resources.
\li>Energetic savings during flight: Species like geese fly in V-formations to reduce wind resistance, with each bird benefiting from the uplift created by the one ahead.
• Mating and nesting success: Colonial nesters like herons or terns gain protection through proximity, reducing individual vulnerability to predators.

Birds that form flocks include sparrows, blackbirds, finches, and shorebirds. However, not all birds are social; raptors like eagles or hawks typically hunt and live alone or in pairs, so seeing a kaleidoscope of kingfishers (a rare term) would be unusual in the wild.

A Treasury of Collective Nouns: What You Call a Group of Birds by Species

English is unique in its rich tradition of whimsical, metaphorical names for animal groups—especially birds. Many date back to medieval hunting manuals and bestiaries like *The Book of Saint Albans* (1486), where elaborate terms were used as much for entertainment as accuracy. Below is a comprehensive list of specific collective nouns tied to particular bird species:

Bird Species	Collective Noun	Context / Origin
Starlings	Murmuration	Refers to massive, swirling flight patterns seen at dusk.
Owls	Parliament	Linked to wisdom in folklore; popularized by C.S. Lewis.
Crows	Murder	Dark association with death and superstition.
Geese (on ground)	Gaggle	Onomatopoeic origin from their loud calls.
Geese (in flight)	Skein	Describes the long, winding line formation.
Jays	Party or Scold	Reflects noisy, bold behavior.
Larks	Exaltation	Poetic term symbolizing joy and ascension.
Puffins	Colony or Circus	"Circus" refers to their colorful appearance.
Robins	Round	Rare term; may refer to circular feeding patterns.
Finches	Charm	Medieval charm implying enchantment.

While modern ornithologists primarily use "flock" for scientific clarity, these traditional terms remain culturally significant and widely used in literature, poetry, and nature writing. For example, saying “a murder of crows” instantly conjures a moodier image than simply “a flock,” enhancing storytelling and emotional resonance.

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings Behind Bird Group Names

The symbolic weight behind terms like parliament of owls or murder of crows reveals how deeply birds are woven into human mythology and psychology. Consider the following interpretations:

• Parliament of Owls: Owls have long been symbols of wisdom across cultures—from Athena’s owl in Greek mythology to Native American traditions. The word "parliament" suggests deliberation and intelligence, reinforcing the idea of owls as nocturnal sages.
• Murder of Crows: This darkly dramatic term likely stems from European folklore associating crows and ravens with battlefields, death, and omens. Their black plumage and scavenging habits contributed to sinister reputations, even though biologically, crows are highly intelligent and social.
• Murmuration of Starlings: Beyond being a beautiful spectacle, murmurations have inspired metaphors about unity, emergence, and self-organization in science and art. The synchronized movement of thousands of birds appears almost choreographed, prompting comparisons to neural networks or fluid dynamics.
• Exaltation of Larks: Poets like Shelley celebrated larks as symbols of spiritual ascent and joy. Seeing a group rise singing into the dawn sky feels transcendent—hence the elevated language.

These names aren’t just quaint relics—they continue to influence how we perceive and relate to birds today. They appear in book titles, film scripts, brand names, and conservation campaigns, helping foster emotional connections between people and wildlife.

Observing Bird Groups in the Wild: A Guide for Birdwatchers

If you're interested in witnessing these phenomena firsthand, here are practical tips for observing different types of bird aggregations:

1. Time of Day Matters: Most flocking activity peaks at dawn and dusk. Starling murmurations typically occur just before sunset, especially in open fields or near reed beds.
2. Seasonal Patterns: Migration seasons (spring and fall) offer the best opportunities to see large flocks. Waterfowl gather in huge numbers at wetlands, while warblers and sparrows move through forests in mixed-species flocks.
3. Location Scouting: Research local hotspots using platforms like eBird.org. Coastal estuaries, lakeshores, agricultural fields, and urban parks often attract congregating species.
4. Use Optics Wisely: Binoculars or spotting scopes help identify species within a flock. Pay attention to flight patterns, calls, and feeding behaviors to distinguish similar-looking birds.
5. Respect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing roosting or nesting colonies. Keep your distance, stay quiet, and never use playback calls excessively, especially during breeding season.

For those hoping to photograph a murmuration, patience is key. Arrive early, set up a tripod, and use continuous shooting mode with high ISO settings to capture fast motion in low light.

Regional and Linguistic Variations in Collective Terms

While English boasts an unusually rich vocabulary for bird groups, other languages have their own idiomatic expressions. For instance:

• In French, a group of crows is une volée de corbeaux (a flight of crows) or un charnier (a charnel house), echoing the grim connotation.
• Spanish uses una bandada as a general term for any flock, derived from bando (group or party).
• Japanese has poetic compound words, such as sui-chÅ« no hato-gun (a flock of pigeons in flight), emphasizing motion and setting.

Even within English-speaking regions, usage varies. "Gaggle" is more commonly used in British English when referring to geese on land, while American field guides may simply say "flock." Some regional nicknames emerge locally—like "a conspiracy of ravens" in Pacific Northwest folklore—but lack widespread recognition.

Common Misconceptions About Bird Group Terminology

Despite growing interest in collective nouns, several myths persist:

• Myth: All birds have unique collective nouns. Fact: Only certain species do, mostly due to historical or literary reasons. Most birds are correctly referred to as a "flock."
• Myth: Terms like "murder of crows" are scientific classifications. Fact: These are poetic or archaic terms, not used in formal biology.
• Myth: Large groups always mean migration. Fact: Some flocks form for winter roosting or food sources without migrating.
• Myth: Murmurations only happen in Europe. Fact: While famous in the UK, starling murmurations also occur in parts of North America, though less frequently due to smaller populations.

It's important to distinguish between colloquial charm and biological precision—both valuable in their own contexts.

How to Use These Terms Correctly and Creatively

Whether you're writing a nature essay, creating content, or simply sharing observations with friends, using collective nouns appropriately enhances communication. Here’s how:

• In casual conversation: Use terms like "flock" or "gaggle" for clarity. Save rarer ones like "exaltation" for poetic effect.
• In educational settings: Teach students both the standard term (flock) and the traditional alternative to encourage curiosity about language and ecology.
• In creative writing: Leverage the emotional tone of terms like "murder" or "parliament" to set mood and theme.
• In citizen science reporting: Stick to neutral terminology (e.g., "flock of 50 red-winged blackbirds") for data consistency on apps like iNaturalist or Merlin Bird ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you call a group of birds in general?

A group of birds is generally called a flock, regardless of species. This is the standard term used in biology and everyday language.

Why is a group of crows called a murder?

The term "murder of crows" comes from medieval folklore that associated crows with death, bad omens, and battlefield scavenging. It’s more symbolic than literal.

What is a murmuration of birds?

A murmuration specifically refers to a large, swirling group of starlings in flight, often seen at dusk. The term captures the sound and motion of hundreds or thousands moving together.

Do scientists use terms like 'parliament of owls'?

No, scientists use "flock" or "pair" based on context. Poetic terms like "parliament" are reserved for literary or cultural use, not research.

Can I use any collective noun for any bird?

No—while it might be fun to say "a parliament of robins," accurate usage respects established conventions. Stick to documented terms to maintain credibility.

Understanding what you call a group of birds opens a window into both natural history and human imagination. Whether you're a seasoned birder, a writer, or a curious observer, appreciating these terms deepens your connection to the avian world. So next time you see birds gathering in the sky or on the ground, consider not just what they are, but what we call them—and why that name matters.