What Is a Group of Birds Called?

A group of birds is most commonly called a flock, but depending on the species, behavior, and context, many other evocative collective nouns are used—such as a colony of penguins, a parliament of owls, or a murder of crows. These terms not only reflect biological behaviors but also rich cultural traditions and linguistic creativity. Understanding what a group of birds is called goes beyond simple terminology; it reveals insights into avian social structures, migration patterns, and human fascination with nature’s symbolism.

The Science Behind Bird Groupings: Why Birds Flock Together

Birds gather in groups for survival, reproduction, and efficiency. The term flock applies broadly to most flying birds seen together, especially during migration or feeding. For example, geese form V-shaped flocks to reduce wind resistance and improve flight efficiency—a phenomenon studied extensively in aerodynamics and behavioral ecology.

From a biological standpoint, flocking offers several advantages:

• Predator avoidance: More eyes mean better detection of threats. This is known as the “many eyes” hypothesis.
• Improved foraging: One bird finding food can signal others, increasing overall success rates.
\li>Migratory navigation: Experienced individuals lead younger birds along ancestral routes.
• Thermal regulation: In cold climates, birds like starlings huddle together at roosts to conserve heat.

Flocking behavior is especially prominent in species such as sandpipers, finches, and blackbirds. However, not all birds are social. Raptors like eagles and ospreys are typically solitary outside breeding seasons, which influences whether they’re ever described as part of a group at all.

Specialized Collective Nouns: More Than Just 'Flock'

While “flock” is the default term, English has a wealth of poetic and historically rooted names for bird groups. Many originate from medieval hunting texts and folklore, particularly the 15th-century manuscript The Book of St. Albans, which listed elaborate terms for animals seen in the wild.

Here are some widely recognized collective nouns for specific bird species:

Bird Species	Collective Noun	Context / Reason
Crows	Murder	Rooted in superstition; crows associated with death and omens
Owls	Parliament	Literary origin; popularized by C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series
Geese (on ground)	Gaggle	Onomatopoeic; mimics their honking sounds
Chickens	Brood	Refers to young chicks under a hen
Pigeons	Kit	Rare term; often still called a flock
Jays	Party or Scold	Noisy, bold behavior when alarmed
Swans	Bevy or Wedge (in flight)	“Wedge” describes V-formation; “bevy” implies elegance
Penguins	Colony or Rookery	Used for large nesting groups on land
Hummingbirds	Shimmer or Charm	Reflects iridescent plumage and delicate movement
Egrets	Herl	Archaic; rarely used today

These terms may sound whimsical, but many reflect real behavioral traits. A “scold” of jays makes sense when you hear their alarm calls disrupting a quiet forest. A “charm” of hummingbirds captures their almost magical presence near flowers.

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings Behind Bird Group Names

The language we use to describe bird groups often carries symbolic weight. Take the “murder of crows”—a phrase steeped in myth. In European folklore, crows and ravens were seen as messengers of doom, partly due to their scavenging habits and dark appearance. Yet in Native American traditions, the raven is a trickster and creator figure, symbolizing intelligence and transformation.

Similarly, a “parliament of owls” suggests wisdom and deliberation. Owls have long been associated with Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and appear as advisors in literature—from Shakespeare to Harry Potter. Using “parliament” elevates the owl’s image from nocturnal hunter to council member of the forest.

In contrast, a “gaggle of geese” feels more grounded and humorous. It emphasizes noise and chaos, yet geese are highly organized in flight, rotating leadership roles during migration. This duality shows how human perception shapes language more than scientific observation sometimes.

Regional and Linguistic Variations in Bird Group Terminology

While English boasts a colorful array of collective nouns, other languages use simpler constructions. In Spanish, a group of birds is generally una bandada (flock), regardless of species. French uses une volée or un groupe. These utilitarian terms prioritize clarity over imagery.

However, regional dialects within English-speaking countries preserve unique usages. In parts of rural England, older terms like “tidings of magpies” (suggesting news-bearing birds) or “congregation of plovers” still appear in local writing. In North America, birdwatchers might say “a kettle of hawks” when observing thermals full of soaring raptors—a term derived from the circular motion resembling bubbling water.

Such variations highlight how environment and tradition influence language. Coastal communities may emphasize seabird colonies, using “raft” for ducks or grebes floating together on water. Desert regions may lack terms for waterfowl altogether, focusing instead on vultures or roadrunners.

How Scientists Study Bird Aggregations

Ornithologists don’t typically use poetic terms like “exaltation of larks” in research papers. Instead, they rely on precise classifications based on behavior and ecology:

• Colony: Breeding group, often in dense clusters (e.g., terns, puffins).
• Communal roost: Large nighttime gatherings (e.g., starlings, crows).
• Migration formation: Structured flight patterns (e.g., wedge of swans).
• Foraging aggregation: Temporary gathering around food sources (e.g., gulls at a landfill).

Modern tools like GPS tracking, drone imaging, and acoustic monitoring help researchers understand how these groups function. Starling murmurations—massive, synchronized aerial displays—have been analyzed using algorithms borrowed from robotics to explain how individual rules create complex group behavior.

Interestingly, studies show that birds follow three basic principles in flocks:

1. Stay close to neighbors without colliding.
2. Align direction with nearby birds.
3. Move toward the center of the group.

This self-organized system allows rapid response to predators without centralized control.

Practical Tips for Observing Bird Groups

If you're interested in witnessing bird aggregations firsthand, here are actionable tips for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts:

1. Know When and Where to Look

Seasonal timing is crucial. Migratory species like sandhill cranes gather in huge numbers during spring and fall. Locations such as Nebraska’s Platte River host over half a million cranes annually. Check local wildlife refuges for peak viewing dates.

2. Use Binoculars and Field Guides

Identifying species within a flock requires good optics. A 8x42 binocular is ideal for most conditions. Pair it with a digital app like Merlin Bird ID or eBird to log sightings and learn vocalizations.

3. Visit Known Roosting or Nesting Sites

Cities like Austin, Texas, host a famous urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats—but also attract large flocks of grackles. Similarly, marshlands and estuaries often support colonies of herons and egrets. Research sites through Audubon chapters or national parks.

4. Listen Before You Look

Vocalizations often reveal the presence of a group before it's visible. A sudden silence in the woods may indicate a predator, while a rising chorus of caws could mean a murder of crows is assembling.

5. Respect Wildlife Boundaries

Avoid disturbing nesting colonies or roosts. Getting too close can cause stampedes or abandonment of young. Maintain at least 50–100 feet distance, use telephoto lenses, and never use playback calls excessively.

Common Misconceptions About Bird Groups

Several myths persist about bird groupings:

• Myth: All birds in a flock are the same species.
  Reality: Mixed-species flocks are common, especially in forests. Chickadees, nuthatches, and warblers often feed together for mutual protection.
• Myth: A murder of crows is aggressive or dangerous.
  Reality: The term is purely linguistic. Crows gather socially and are highly intelligent, not inherently violent.
• Myth: Flocking means birds are friends.
  Reality: While some birds form long-term bonds, most flocking is opportunistic and driven by survival needs.

Final Thoughts: Language, Nature, and Observation

Answering the question what is a group of birds called opens a window into both science and storytelling. Whether you call them a flock, a colony, or a charm, each term adds depth to our understanding of avian life. The next time you see birds swirling in the sky or gathered on a lakeshore, take a moment to consider not just what they are doing—but what we’ve chosen to name them, and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a group of birds generally called?

A group of birds is generally called a flock, though specific species have unique collective nouns like “murder” for crows or “parliament” for owls.

Why is a group of crows called a murder?

The term “murder of crows” comes from medieval folklore, where crows were associated with death and ill omens due to their scavenging behavior and dark plumage.

Do scientists use terms like 'murder' or 'parliament'?

No, scientists typically use neutral terms like “flock,” “colony,” or “aggregation” based on behavior, rather than poetic or archaic names.

Can different bird species form groups together?

Yes, mixed-species flocks are common, especially among woodland birds like chickadees, titmice, and warblers, which forage together for increased safety.

What is a group of pigeons called?

A group of pigeons is usually called a flock, though the rare term “kit” exists. In urban settings, they’re often referred to simply as a flock or colony.