What Is a Flock of Birds Called?

A group of birds is most commonly referred to as a flock of birds, a term widely used in both everyday language and ornithological contexts. However, the collective noun can vary dramatically based on species, behavior, and even historical tradition—such as a murmuration of starlings, a colony of puffins, or a congress of crows. These unique terms not only reflect biological patterns such as nesting habits or flight formations but also carry deep cultural and symbolic meanings across civilizations. Understanding what a flock of birds is called goes beyond simple vocabulary; it opens a window into avian ecology, human linguistic creativity, and centuries-old symbolism embedded in literature, mythology, and art.

The Many Names for Groups of Birds: Beyond ‘Flock’

While “flock” serves as the general umbrella term for any gathering of birds, English boasts an astonishing array of poetic and descriptive collective nouns. Many date back to medieval times, particularly from the 15th-century text “The Book of Saint Albans,” which listed elaborate terms for animals based on perceived characteristics. These names often reflect observed behaviors or superstitions.

For example:

• Murmuration – A swirling, synchronized group of starlings in flight.
• Colony – Used for seabirds like gulls or puffins that nest densely together.
\li>Congress – A striking term applied to crows, perhaps alluding to their intelligence and complex social structures.
• Exaltation – A majestic name for larks, evoking their high-flying songs.
• Parliament – Another crow-related term, popularized by modern literature (e.g., Alan Garner’s *The Owl Service*).
• Kettle – A group of raptors circling in thermal updrafts.
• Raft – Diving ducks or grebes floating together on water.
• Charm – Often used for goldfinches, suggesting beauty and allure.

These terms enrich our understanding of bird behavior while showcasing how humans interpret nature through metaphor and storytelling.

Biological Reasons Behind Grouping Behavior

Birds gather in groups for survival-driven reasons rooted in evolutionary biology. The scientific study of these aggregations reveals key advantages:

Predator Avoidance

One primary reason birds form flocks is safety in numbers. In large groups, individual birds reduce their risk of predation through mechanisms like the “dilution effect”—where each bird has a lower chance of being targeted—and improved vigilance. For instance, in a murmuration of starlings, thousands of birds move in unison, creating confusing visual patterns that deter hawks and falcons.

Foraging Efficiency

Grouping enhances food discovery. Species like blackbirds or finches use social cues to locate resources. When one bird finds food, others quickly follow, increasing overall feeding success. This is especially evident in mixed-species flocks during winter months in temperate forests.

Thermoregulation

Smaller birds, such as chickadees or sparrows, often roost together at night to conserve body heat. Huddling reduces surface-area exposure and minimizes energy loss, crucial for surviving cold nights.

Migratory Coordination

Many birds migrate in formation, notably geese flying in V-shaped patterns. This aerodynamic arrangement allows trailing birds to benefit from uplift generated by the wings of those ahead, reducing fatigue over long distances. A skein or wedge of geese exemplifies this highly organized travel strategy.

Species-Specific Collective Nouns and Their Origins

Different bird species have acquired distinct collective names based on appearance, sound, or myth. Below is a detailed table summarizing notable examples:

Bird Species	Collective Noun	Behavioral Basis	Cultural Note
European Starling	Murmuration	Synchronized aerial displays	Name derived from murmuring sound of wings
American Crow	Congress / Parliament	Highly intelligent, socially complex	Reflects belief in decision-making councils
Barn Swallow	Flight / Gulp	Fast, acrobatic flying	“Gulp” suggests swallowing insects mid-air
European Goldfinch	Charm	Bright plumage, melodic song	Medieval association with enchantment
Wild Turkey	Rafter / Crop	Ground-dwelling, foraging groups	“Rafter” may relate to roosting in rafters
Loon	Lake / Pack	Found on freshwater lakes	Emphasizes habitat specificity
Hawk or Eagle	Kettle	Soaring in thermals during migration	Resembles bubbling liquid in a pot
Pigeon or Dove	Kit / Pitying	Soft cooing calls	“Pitying” mimics sorrowful tone of call

These names illustrate how closely human observation aligns with avian behavior—even when influenced by imagination.

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings of Bird Flocks

Flocks of birds have held symbolic significance across cultures throughout history. In many traditions, they represent unity, spiritual messages, omens, or transitions.

In Native American beliefs, flocks often symbolize communication between worlds. The Lakota people viewed migrating flocks as messengers carrying prayers skyward. Similarly, in Celtic lore, starling murmurations were seen as glimpses into the Otherworld—a shimmering veil between realms.

In Christianity, doves in flocks (or pairs) signify peace and the Holy Spirit. Conversely, crows gathering en masse have been interpreted as harbingers of death or war, reinforcing their ominous reputation in European folklore.

Modern environmental movements use imagery of bird flocks—especially disappearing species—to highlight biodiversity loss. The annual Christmas Bird Count, organized by the Audubon Society, turns citizen scientists into observers of flock dynamics, contributing vital data on population trends.

How to Observe and Identify Different Types of Bird Flocks

Whether you're a beginner birder or seasoned naturalist, identifying what a flock of birds is called begins with careful observation. Here are practical tips:

1. Listen First: Sounds matter. A chattering murmur might signal a starling murmuration, while harsh caws suggest a congress of crows.
2. Watch Flight Patterns: Are they moving erratically in tight coordination? That’s likely a murmuration. Do they fly in a straight line or V-formation? You’re seeing a skein of geese.
3. Note Habitat: Waterfowl flocks on lakes differ from forest-dwelling songbird flocks. Location helps narrow down possibilities.
4. Use Binoculars and Apps: Tools like Merlin Bird ID or eBird help identify species and typical grouping behaviors.
5. Join Local Birding Groups: Experienced birdwatchers often know regional nuances—like whether local herons gather in a “pod” or “heronry.”

Timing also matters. Murmurations peak at dusk in autumn and winter, especially in open fields or near reed beds. Raptors form kettles primarily during spring and fall migrations.

Regional and Linguistic Variations

Not all English-speaking regions use the same collective nouns. British English retains more archaic terms (e.g., “exaltation of larks”), while American English tends toward simpler usage, defaulting to “flock” unless context demands specificity.

Moreover, non-English languages offer equally rich vocabularies. In French, a flock of birds is “une volée” (a flight), emphasizing motion. Spanish uses “una bandada,” which implies movement and noise. Some Indigenous languages incorporate behavioral verbs rather than static nouns, reflecting a dynamic worldview of nature.

Common Misconceptions About Bird Flocks

Several myths persist about bird gatherings:

• Myth: All birds in a flock are the same species.
  Reality: Mixed-species flocks are common, especially in tropical and temperate forests. Chickadees, nuthatches, and warblers often feed together.
• Myth: Large flocks mean something bad is coming.
  Reality: While some cultures associate crows or ravens with doom, their presence usually indicates abundant food or safe roosting sites.
• Myth: Flocking behavior is random.
  Reality: It follows precise rules governed by physics and instinct. Each bird responds to its nearest neighbors, maintaining distance and alignment without centralized control.

When Do Birds Form Flocks?

Seasonality plays a major role. Most flocking increases during:

• Late Summer to Winter: After breeding season ends, birds become more social. Food scarcity drives them to forage collectively.
• Migratory Periods: Spring and fall bring massive movements, visible in shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.
• Dusk and Dawn: Roosting and feeding times trigger temporary aggregations, such as starling murmurations before bedtime.

During breeding season, many birds become territorial and solitary, avoiding flocks to protect nests and mates.

Conservation Implications of Studying Flocks

Monitoring bird flocks provides critical insights into ecosystem health. Declines in flock size—such as fewer starlings in European skies—signal environmental stressors like pesticide use, habitat loss, or climate change.

Citizen science initiatives encourage public participation in tracking flock occurrences. Platforms like iNaturalist allow users to upload photos and audio, helping researchers map distribution shifts over time.

Preserving habitats where flocks congregate—wetlands, grasslands, coastal areas—is essential for sustaining these awe-inspiring phenomena.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a large group of birds called?

A large group is still typically called a flock, though specific terms like murmuration (for starlings) or colony (for seabirds) are used when appropriate.

Why do birds fly in a flock?

Birds fly in flocks for protection from predators, improved foraging efficiency, navigation aid during migration, and energy conservation in flight formations.

Is there a difference between a flock and a colony of birds?

Yes. A flock generally refers to birds in motion or loosely associated, while a colony implies a dense breeding aggregation, usually in a shared nesting site.

What is a flock of crows called?

A group of crows is famously known as a “congress” or “parliament,” though “flock” remains correct in general usage.

Can I see a murmuration of starlings in North America?

Yes. Though originally associated with Europe, invasive European starlings in the U.S. and Canada form similar murmurations, especially in agricultural areas during winter.

In conclusion, understanding what a flock of birds is called involves blending science, language, and culture. From the aerodynamic precision of a skein of geese to the poetic resonance of a charm of goldfinches, these terms deepen our appreciation of avian life. Whether observing local sparrows or traveling to witness a breathtaking murmuration, every bird gathering tells a story shaped by evolution, environment, and human imagination.