The English language possesses a tradition of assigning imaginative names to groups of animals, a practice known as using collective nouns or terms of venery. This linguistic tradition reflects a historical fascination with the natural world, transforming observation into colorful vocabulary. These terms add a layer of curiosity to how we categorize animal populations, often hinting at folklore, appearance, or perceived behavior rather than scientific classification. The most widely known and perhaps most unsettling of these terms is “murder.”
The Animal Associated with a Murder
The animal group referred to as a murder is a collection of crows, specifically those belonging to the genus Corvus. This term is applied to any substantial gathering of these highly intelligent black birds. Crows are widely distributed passerines, recognized for their complex social structures and impressive cognitive abilities. Studies show that crows exhibit advanced problem-solving skills and tool use.
The term “murder” is a traditional collective noun, though ornithologists more commonly use descriptors like “flock” or “mob.” These birds are members of the Corvidae family, which also includes ravens and rooks. The group’s presence is often noted by their harsh, distinctive vocalizations and their tendency to gather in large communal roosts.
The Roots of the Name
The name “murder” for a group of crows stems from folklore and superstition prevalent in the Late Middle Ages. The majority of these collective nouns, including “murder,” can be traced back to the 15th century, appearing in documents like The Book of Saint Albans. At that time, crows were frequently associated with death and dark omens due to their scavenging habits.
Crows and other corvids were often seen feeding on carrion found near battlefields, gallows, or areas affected by the plague. This proximity to death cemented their image as foreboding creatures in the human imagination. Some folktales even suggested that crows would hold a form of tribunal, gathering to judge and execute one of their own, which contributed to the term “murder”.
Other Curious Collective Nouns
The tradition of terms of venery resulted in many other imaginative collective nouns that personify the animals they describe. For example, a group of owls is referred to as a parliament, perhaps due to the bird’s contemplative appearance suggesting wisdom. A collection of ravens is sometimes called an unkindness, reflecting a historic association with ill-will or misfortune.
Other descriptive names include a shrewdness of apes, which highlights the perceived cleverness of primates. A group of peacocks may be called an ostentation, a term that captures the bird’s flamboyant display of its tail feathers. These unique terms serve as a reminder of how human observation and poetic license have shaped the English lexicon.