When observing a gathering of birds, especially those with dark plumage, many people default to calling it a “flock.” However, the English language offers a more descriptive vocabulary through collective nouns, which often reflect historical perceptions, unique behaviors, or folkloric associations. The most recognized names belong to the largest and most intelligent black birds, the corvids, but many other dark-colored species also possess distinct group names.
Collective Nouns for Crows and Ravens
The most famous collective noun for any black bird is the “murder” of crows, a term that highlights the species’ association with death and dark omens. Crows are highly social birds, and their gatherings can also be called a “horde” or a “parliament.”
Ravens, which are noticeably larger than crows, possess their own separate set of collective nouns, reflecting their more solitary nature. While crows often gather in large groups, ravens typically travel in pairs or small family units, only forming larger groups when scavenging. A group of ravens is traditionally called an “unkindness” or a “conspiracy,” both terms suggesting a negative or secretive quality. Ravens can be distinguished from crows in flight by their wedge-shaped tail and soaring motion, compared to the crow’s fan-shaped tail and frequent flapping.
Another collective noun for ravens is a “constable,” perhaps alluding to their perceived role in folklore as overseers or enforcers. Ravens have shaggier throat feathers and a larger, heavier bill than their crow cousins. The separate naming conventions emphasize the cultural distinction people have historically drawn between the two closely related species.
Group Names for Other Dark-Colored Birds
The tradition of unique collective nouns extends beyond the corvids to other predominantly black or dark-feathered birds, often based on their distinctive flocking patterns. Starlings, known for their large, acrobatic flock movements, are aptly termed a “murmuration.” This name describes the low, rushing sound produced by the simultaneous beating of thousands of wings as the birds twist and turn in the sky.
The Grackle, an iridescent blackbird native to North America, has group names reflecting its perceived status, sometimes being referred to as a “plague” or a “convention.” The common Blackbird, found across Europe and Asia, has a simpler collective noun, a “merle,” derived from the Old French name for the species.
These collective nouns often capture a specific behavioral trait, such as a “clutter” of starlings when they are foraging on the ground. While these terms are less frequently used than “murder” or “murmuration,” they demonstrate the breadth of historical language used to describe the congregations of dark-plumaged avians.
The Cultural and Historical Roots of Collective Nouns
The dramatic and sometimes sinister names given to groups of black birds stem directly from their historical relationship with human settlements and folklore. Many of these terms, including “murder” and “unkindness,” were first recorded in the 15th century.
The association of crows with death and negative omens likely arose from their scavenging behavior, as they were frequently seen feeding on carrion near battlefields or in the wake of plagues. Their deep black plumage and harsh vocalizations solidified this link, leading to the collective noun “murder.” Similarly, the term “unkindness” for ravens may have originated from a now-disproven belief that adult ravens neglected their young.
These collective nouns are not scientific classifications but rather linguistic artifacts that reflect ancient human perceptions and superstitions. They anthropomorphize the birds, assigning them human qualities like treachery (“conspiracy”) or malevolence (“unkindness”), revealing more about the history of the English language and human culture than about ornithological behavior.