A collective noun is a term used to describe a group of similar animals. While many collective nouns are familiar, such as a flock of birds, others are more obscure and intriguing. The term “A Congress of Birds” falls into this latter category, prompting curiosity about its origin and the specific avian assembly it describes.
Defining the “Congress of Birds”
“A Congress of Birds” is a traditional, though rarely used, collective noun for a gathering of eagles. In the case of the eagle, the term suggests a formal, organized assembly, often reflecting a perceived characteristic of the animal.
The more common and widely accepted collective noun for a group of eagles is a “convocation.” Both “congress” and “convocation” share a similar linguistic root, implying a formal coming together for discussion. Although the term is most strongly associated with eagles, some older texts also apply “congress” to groups of crows or ravens.
The Etymology and Historical Use of the Term
The unique and often fanciful collective nouns for animals largely trace their origins back to the late medieval period. Many were popularized by the 15th-century text, The Book of St. Albans, which codified vocabulary for the aristocratic class. These specialized phrases were used to denote social standing rather than reflecting actual scientific observation.
The word “congress” is derived from the Latin congredior, meaning “to go or come together.” This root gives the word a connotation of a formal meeting or assembly of delegates. Applying this term to the powerful eagle suggests a gathering of high-status birds, akin to a legislative body.
The choice of “congress” is purely literary and symbolic, emphasizing the eagle’s regal status and powerful presence. This contrasts sharply with modern, descriptive terms like “colony” or “brood” that are based on an animal’s physical behavior.
Social Behavior of Eagles and the Reality of Gatherings
Eagles are generally solitary birds during the breeding season, establishing and defending large nesting territories. The mated pair often bonds for life and works together to raise their young. However, the term “congress” finds a real-world parallel during non-breeding periods, when they become much more gregarious.
Eagles will congregate in large numbers where food is highly concentrated and easily accessible. One common scenario is during winter when salmon are spawning in rivers, or when carrion is abundant. For instance, thousands of Bald Eagles gather annually in places like the Chilkat Valley in Alaska to feast on late salmon runs.
These gatherings are primarily opportunistic feeding events rather than structured social meetings. The birds also form communal roosts at night near feeding areas, which minimizes energy expenditure during cold weather. Within these temporary groups, eagles establish a hierarchy, with dominant birds signaling their status to secure the best perches.
The Tradition of Collective Nouns for Birds
The phrase “A Congress of Birds” is part of a wider, centuries-old tradition of creating imaginative collective nouns for avian species. These terms often personify the birds or highlight a perceived characteristic. For example, a group of owls is called a “parliament” due to their association with wisdom, and a group of goldfinches is a “charm.”
These descriptive names are distinct from the neutral, scientific vocabulary used by ornithologists. They serve a cultural purpose, adding richness and color to the English language. Other notable examples include a “murmuration” of starlings, which captures the sound and movement of their synchronized flight, and an “unkindness” of ravens.
The persistence of these terms, from the poetic “exaltation” of larks to the practical “kettle” of hawks, demonstrates the lasting influence of literary history. While not scientific, they remain a popular, vivid way to refer to groups of birds.