Have you ever heard a group of birds being called a “murder”? It sounds strange, right?
But this unusual name has a fascinating story behind it. If you’ve ever wondered why certain birds get such a dark and mysterious label, you’re about to discover the truth. Keep reading, and you’ll learn not just what birds make up this curious group, but also the surprising reasons why they earned this eerie nickname.
Table of Contents
Murder Of Crows
The phrase “murder of crows”comes from old times. People used strange names for groups of animals. “Murder” means a group of crows together. This name may sound scary. It is linked to stories and myths about crows being connected with death. But it is just a fun phrase.
Crows live in groups. They have a strong social structure. They help each other find food and protect their homes. Sometimes, crows gather in large groups called roosts. These groups can have hundreds of birds. They communicate with caws and body language. Their teamwork is very interesting to watch.
Crows are very smart. They solve puzzles and use tools. They can remember faces and hold grudges. Some crows drop nuts on roads for cars to crack. They also plan for the future. Their intelligence is rare in birds.
Other Bird Group Names
Birds gather in many unique ways, each with a special name. Flocks are the most common group name. For example, a group of sparrows is called a flock. Gaggles refer to groups of geese on land. In water, these geese form a skein or wedge.
Here are some interesting collective nouns:
- A parliamentof owls
- A murmurationof starlings
- A rafterof turkeys
- A colonyof penguins
Group names help us talk about birds clearly. They show how birds behave together. Using the right terms makes birdwatching more fun and precise.
Crows In Culture
A group of crows is called a “murder,” a term that sparks curiosity and mystery. This unique name reflects the bird’s strong presence in folklore and culture worldwide.
Mythology And Folklore
Crows often symbolize mystery and magic in many cultures. Some stories show them as messengers between worlds. In Native American tales, crows can be tricksters or helpers. In Celtic myths, they are linked to war and death. Their black feathers and loud calls make them symbols of omens and secrets.
Symbolism In Literature
Writers use crows to show darkness, intelligence, and change. Poems and stories often make crows a sign of death or bad luck. But sometimes, they stand for hope and survival. Their sharp eyes and clever nature make them memorable characters.
Modern Media Depictions
- Crows appear in movies as mysterious or spookybirds.
- In cartoons, they can be funny or smartcharacters.
- Video games often give crows roles as guides or enemies.
- TV shows use crows to add drama or suspense.
Ecological Role Of Crows
Crows play a vital role in nature. They act as scavengers, cleaning up dead animals and waste. This helps keep the environment healthy and free from disease. Their work supports ecosystem balance by recycling nutrients back into the soil.
By eating dead animals, crows prevent the spread of germs. They also help control insect populations by eating pests. This benefits plants and other animals in their habitat.
- Crows often live close to humans and adapt well.
- They can clean up garbage and food scraps in cities.
- Sometimes, people see them as pests because they are noisy.
- Others respect crows for their intelligence and helpfulness.
Interesting Crow Species
Common Ravens are large black birds with a deep, croaking call. They are very smart and can solve puzzles. Ravens often live in forests and mountains. They like to play with each other and use tools to get food. Their feathers shine with a blue or purple tint in sunlight.
American Crows are smaller than ravens but just as clever. They are found in many places like cities, farms, and parks. Crows can mimic sounds and recognize human faces. They often gather in big groups called “murders.” These groups help protect them from predators.
| Other Notable Corvids | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| Blue Jays | Bright blue color, loud calls, known for being bold and noisy |
| Jackdaws | Smaller, with gray necks, live in Europe, very social birds |
| Magpies | Black and white feathers, curious, often collect shiny objects |
The Curious Names We Give Groups of Birds (And Why They Feel So Right)
Short answer: A group of birds often has a special collective name based on history, myth, or behavior.
I remember the first time I heard someone say, “Look, a murder of crows.” I stopped mid-step. It sounded dark, poetic, and oddly perfect. Since then, I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of bird group names, and honestly, they say as much about us as they do about birds.
These names come from old language, folklore, and human emotion. They mix fact with imagination. Let’s walk through them together, like friends chatting on a slow afternoon, watching birds pass overhead.
What Is a Group of Ravens Called?
Short answer: A group of ravens is called a conspiracy.
The word conspiracy fits ravens almost too well. Ravens are smart. They watch. They wait. When I’ve seen several ravens together, it always felt like they were planning something. They tilt their heads, call softly, and move with purpose.
Historically, people feared ravens. They were linked to death and battlefields. That fear shaped the name.
To me, though, a conspiracy of ravens feels less evil and more mysterious—like old souls sharing secrets.
Why the name stuck:
- Ravens are highly intelligent
- They work together
- They feel intentional, not random
Why Is a Group of Crows Called a Murder?
Short answer: A group of crows is called a murder because of folklore, not violence.
Despite the name, crows are not killers. I’ve watched them play, tease dogs, and even bring gifts. The word murder comes from medieval superstition. Black feathers plus loud calls scared people long ago.
Crows also gather around dead animals to investigate. Humans misunderstood this. Fear turned into language.
Once you know crows, the word feels dramatic, not accurate.
Common myths vs reality:
- Myth: Crows bring death
- Fact: Crows clean ecosystems
- Myth: They are evil
- Fact: They are social and smart
What Group of Birds Is Called a Murder Crow?
Short answer: Murder specifically refers to crows, not all birds.
This is a common point of confusion. Not every black bird is part of a murder. Only crows get that title. Ravens, for example, get conspiracy instead.
When people say “murder crow,” they usually mean a group of crows seen together. It’s informal, not scientific.
Still, it shows how powerful the word has become in everyday speech.
What Group of Birds Is Called a Parliament?
Short answer: A group of owls is called a parliament.
This one always makes me smile. Owls look wise. Calm. Serious. When I once saw three owls lined up on a fence at dusk, it felt like a meeting had been called.
The name comes from old stories where owls were symbols of wisdom. A parliament suggests debate and thought.
It’s one of the gentler bird group names, shaped more by respect than fear.
What Group of Birds Is Called a Congress?
Short answer: A group of birds, often rooks or babblers, can be called a congress.
Congress implies gathering and noise. Anyone who has watched birds squabble over food knows how fitting that is. I’ve seen flocks argue loudly, wings flapping, voices overlapping.
The name is playful. It reflects chaos, not order. Humans clearly had a sense of humor when naming this one.
A Group of Birds Flying Is Called What?
Short answer: A group of birds flying is often called a flock or murmuration.
Most flying birds form a flock. It’s simple and accurate. But starlings deserve something special. When they fly together in waves, it’s called a murmuration.
I once stood under a murmuration at sunset. The sky moved like smoke. No words felt big enough.
That name comes from the soft sound of wings moving together.
Why Is a Group of Crows Called an Unkindness?
Short answer: Unkindness is an old poetic term for a group of crows.
This name feels emotional. Less violent than murder, but still heavy. It reflects how people once felt when crows appeared near homes or fields.
Language carries mood. Unkindness shows discomfort and fear, not facts.
Today, many bird lovers prefer admiration over old labels.
Why Is a Group of Ravens Called a Conspiracy?
Short answer: Ravens earned the name conspiracy due to intelligence and mystery.
Ravens solve problems. They remember faces. They even plan ahead. Early observers noticed this. They imagined secret meetings and silent plots.
When I watch ravens together, it feels like intention, not chance.
That’s why conspiracy stuck. It’s fear mixed with awe.
Common Bird Group Names at a Glance
Short answer: Bird group names reflect behavior, myth, or emotion.
| Bird | Group Name | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Crows | Murder / Unkindness | Folklore and fear |
| Ravens | Conspiracy | Intelligence and mystery |
| Owls | Parliament | Wisdom symbolism |
| Starlings | Murmuration | Sound and motion |
| Rooks | Congress | Loud gatherings |
| Geese | Gaggle (ground), Skein (air) | Shape and sound |
Why These Names Still Matter Today
Short answer: Bird group names help us connect stories to nature.
These words are not science terms. They are human reflections. They show how our ancestors felt when birds crossed their skies.
As someone who spends time watching birds, I’ve learned this: fear fades with understanding.
Once you know these birds, the names become stories, not warnings.
What I’ve learned personally:
- Birds are smarter than we think
- Old names reflect old fears
- Watching closely changes meaning
Final Thoughts From One Bird Lover to Another
Short answer: Bird group names blend myth, emotion, and observation.
When you hear murder, conspiracy, or parliament, remember this. Humans named what they didn’t fully understand. Today, we get to rewrite the feeling, even if the words stay the same.
Next time you see a group of birds, pause. Watch. Listen.
You might feel the history in the air—and maybe smile at how poetic it all is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Group Of Crows Called?
A group of crows is called a “murder. ” This term is unique to crows.
Why Are Crows Grouped As A Murder?
The term “murder” may come from old folktales. Crows were seen as omens.
Are All Bird Groups Called A Murder?
No, only crows are called a “murder. ” Other birds have different group names.
Do All Crows Gather In Murders?
Not always. Crows may gather in smaller groups or pairs, especially during breeding.
What Other Birds Have Unique Group Names?
Yes, like a “gaggle” of geese and a “parliament” of owls. Each has a special name.
Conclusion
A group of crows is called a murder. This name sounds strange but has old roots. Crows often gather in large groups. They are smart birds and very social. People have watched them for centuries. The word “murder” adds mystery to these birds.
Now you know this curious fact about crows. Next time you see many crows, you can say a murder is near. Birds have many interesting group names. Learning them makes nature more fun to explore.
Benjamin is a bird researcher with a background in biology from Stanford University. His work focuses on the study of birds, exploring their behavior, ecology, and unique adaptations. With a passion for both science and storytelling, he shares his knowledge to help others understand and appreciate the fascinating world of birds.