Collective nouns provide unique names for groups of animals, often reflecting the creature’s appearance, behavior, or historical context. These specific terms are common among large raptors, such as eagles, where their presence inspired distinct vocabulary for their assemblies.
Dispelling the ‘Flame’ Terminology
The term “flame” is not the accepted collective noun used to describe a group of eagles. This specific name does not appear in ornithological texts or traditional lists of venery terms for birds. The query likely stems from a modern misunderstanding, possibly due to the poetic nature of some other collective nouns.
The confusion may arise from a mix-up with the collective noun for a different, brightly colored bird. For example, a group of flamingos is sometimes called a “flamboyance,” which shares a root with “flame.” Eagles’ collective names are typically drawn from their soaring flight patterns or the formality of their gatherings, not from a fiery association.
The Established Collective Nouns for Eagles
The most widely accepted collective noun for a large gathering of eagles is a “convocation.” This term suggests a formal or ceremonial assembly, fitting the majestic nature of these birds. Eagles, particularly Bald Eagles, are generally solitary outside of the breeding season, but they form large groups for pragmatic reasons, such as migration or when a food source is abundant.
A “convocation” often describes a group roosting together, such as during the winter months, when dozens of birds congregate for shared warmth and protection. Another common term is a “soar” of eagles, used specifically when the birds are seen flying together. This name directly references the eagle’s characteristic flight, where they use thermal air currents to rise high into the sky with minimal effort.
Less commonly, a group of eagles circling in the sky while riding an updraft can be referred to as a “kettle.” This term is shared with other raptors, describing the visual effect of birds swirling in a tight column of rising air.
An “aerie” is sometimes used, though this word primarily refers to the eagle’s nest, especially one built high on a cliff or in a tall tree. In this context, an “aerie” refers to the small family unit, including the parents and their young, that occupies the nest.