Collective nouns are specific terms used to describe a group of animals. These linguistic traditions were typically established by observers who sought to capture a particular trait or perceived nature of the creatures being described. Crows, with their jet-black plumage and notable intelligence, possess one of the most famous and intriguing of these collective names.
The Official Name: A Murder of Crows
The traditional and most recognized collective noun for a group of crows is a “murder.” While ornithologists and scientists often use the more straightforward term “flock” for practical clarity, “murder” remains the conventional and culturally accepted description. This unique label is specific to crows, distinguishing them from other closely related species within the corvid family.
The History and Folklore Behind the Name
The origins of collective nouns for animals can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages, primarily appearing in the 15th century. These terms were often created as part of the aristocratic culture of hunting, known as “terms of venery.” The name “murder” likely stems from the historical and folkloric associations people held regarding crows. With their black color, harsh calls, and tendency to gather near battlefields or carrion, crows were long viewed as omens of death, bad luck. This dark reputation led to the adoption of a name that reflected the perceived sinister nature of the bird.
Social Life: What Crow Groups Do
Crow groups are highly organized, reflecting the species’ profound social intelligence and complex communication skills. These birds often live in multi-generational family units, sometimes including up to 15 members, where older offspring assist their parents in raising the newest chicks. Beyond these small, stable family groups, crows form much larger aggregations, particularly during the non-breeding seasons. These gatherings are known as communal roosts, where dozens to hundreds of thousands of birds may sleep together for safety in numbers, often migrating to the roost site just before dusk.
Daytime group activities frequently involve “mobbing,” a coordinated defensive behavior where a group of crows aggressively harasses a potential predator, such as an owl, hawk, or eagle. The crows will dive-bomb and loudly caw at the threat, driving it away from their territory or young without engaging in direct combat. This collective action is also a teaching mechanism, helping young crows learn to identify and avoid specific dangers. The species’ remarkable social intelligence also allows them to recognize individual human faces and share information about food sources and threats across the group, demonstrating a sophisticated social structure.
Other Collective Nouns for Related Birds
The dramatic name “murder” is not applied universally to all members of the crow family, Corvidae, which includes ravens, rooks, and jays. Ravens, which are larger and often more solitary than crows, are traditionally referred to by the equally evocative collective nouns of an “unkindness” or a “conspiracy.” The names assigned to ravens also reflect historical misconceptions, such as the 19th-century belief that they were neglectful parents. Meanwhile, rooks, which are highly gregarious and tend to build their nests in large colonies, are typically called a “parliament” or a “clamor.”