Collective nouns are single words used to describe a group of specific animals. These terms often provide a glimpse into historical human perceptions or the observed behaviors of the species in question. Crows are particularly compelling subjects for this linguistic tradition due to their widespread presence and remarkable cognitive abilities. Understanding the name given to a group of these birds connects us to centuries of folklore and observation.
The Collective Noun for Crows
The definitive collective noun for a gathering of crows is “a murder of crows.” This term is a classic example of a collective noun, which functions as a single noun to denote a collection of individuals. While this name is widely known and accepted, it is largely ceremonial and steeped in tradition rather than being commonly used in modern ornithology.
Collective nouns for birds were historically recorded in lists known as “terms of venery,” dating back to the Late Middle Ages. Although scientists and birders frequently use the simpler, generic term “flock” in everyday or professional contexts, “murder” remains the enduring and poetic name for a group of crows.
Etymology and Folklore Behind the Name
The distinctive name “murder” for a group of crows stems from folklore and cultural associations dating to the 15th century. These collective nouns were popularized in works like The Book of Saint Albans, which often assigned evocative names to groups of animals based on their perceived characteristics. Crows were historically linked with death and negative omens in European culture, which contributed to the sinister nature of their collective noun.
Their dark black plumage and their habit of scavenging on carrion meant they were frequently seen near battlefields or execution sites, symbolically connecting them to mortality. Furthermore, their high intelligence and loud, harsh vocalizations made them seem foreboding. This led to superstitions that they were witches’ familiars or messengers of ill-fortune. The term reflects this ancient fear and respect, suggesting a dark congregation.
Group Behavior of Crows
The actual social structure of crows when they gather is driven by pragmatic needs for safety and information exchange, not the sinister implications of their collective noun. One of the most common forms of large group assembly is communal roosting, where hundreds or even thousands of crows congregate at night, especially during the colder months. This massive nightly gathering provides several benefits, including shared body warmth and increased protection from nocturnal predators like owls.
These roosts also function as information centers where crows can observe successful foragers and potentially share details about new or abundant food sources discovered during the day. Another notable group behavior is “mobbing,” which involves a coordinated, aggressive attack by several crows on a larger predator, such as a hawk or a raccoon. The goal of mobbing is not to kill the threat but to harass and drive it away from the crow’s territory or nesting area. This complex, cooperative action demonstrates their sophisticated communication and social coordination.
Names for Other Corvid Species
The Corvid family, which includes crows, is known for having some of the most colorful collective nouns, illustrating the creative tradition of the terms of venery. These names, like “murder,” reflect the birds’ historical association with dark superstition and mystery.
Other corvid species have unique collective nouns:
- Ravens are often referred to as “an unkindness of ravens” or “a conspiracy of ravens.”
- Rooks, which often nest colonially, have the collective noun “a parliament of rooks,” possibly due to their habit of congregating in treetops.
- Magpies are known as “a mischief of magpies,” a name that hints at their reputation for curiosity.
- Jackdaws, a highly social corvid, are sometimes called “a clattering of jackdaws,” an apt description of their loud vocalizations.