The bald eagle, with its striking white head and tail feathers, holds a powerful status as a national symbol. This raptor, or bird of prey, is known for its incredible eyesight and impressive wingspan, which can reach over seven feet. Despite its commanding presence, the bald eagle is generally solitary, preferring to hunt alone or with its mate in a small family unit. When large numbers of these birds gather, however, the English language assigns them a unique collective noun.
The Specific Collective Names
When bald eagles gather, the most widely accepted collective noun is a convocation. This name suggests a formal and impressive assembly, fitting for such a majestic bird.
A group of eagles observed spiraling upward in the sky, utilizing columns of warm air called thermals, is often referred to as a kettle or a soar. The term “kettle” is shared among several raptor species and specifically implies the action of soaring.
Other terms exist for specific situations. An aerie of eagles, for example, refers to a family unit at their nest, which is also called an aerie.
Group Behavior: When and Why Eagles Gather
Bald eagles form groups due to environmental necessity and resource abundance. Eagles are not social hunters and do not cooperate to take down prey, but they congregate where food is temporarily plentiful. A prime example is the winter salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest, where hundreds of eagles gather to feed on fish carcasses along the rivers.
These gatherings are opportunistic feeding events, where eagles exploit a reliable, high-calorie food source, often engaging in competitive scavenging. Bald eagles also form communal roosting sites during the harsh winter months, sheltering overnight in large trees near food sources. These roosts offer protection and are sometimes used year after year, potentially serving a social function. During migration, eagles may also be seen kettel-ing together, rising on thermal air currents to conserve energy.
Collective Naming in the Raptor Family
The tradition of unique collective nouns extends beyond the bald eagle, encompassing many birds within the broader raptor family. A group of hawks or falcons, for instance, is frequently called a cast, a term that originated in the practice of falconry. Vultures, which are also birds of prey, have several descriptive names depending on their activity.
A group of vultures feeding on a carcass is known as a wake. A group circling high in the air is often referred to as a kettle, like the soaring eagles. Another notable example is the owl, where a group is commonly called a parliament, inspired by the bird’s association with wisdom.