The collective noun for a group of crows is a “murder.” This unusual name sets the crow apart and hints at a long, complicated relationship with humans throughout history. Understanding the origins of this label requires exploring the historical and mythological perception of these intelligent, black-feathered creatures.
Why Is It Called a “Murder”?
The collective noun “murder” is not a scientific classification but a linguistic tradition dating back to the late medieval period. This naming convention arose from a 15th-century literary trend that produced fanciful lists of collective nouns, often recorded in works like the Book of St. Albans. These terms, known as “terms of venery,” were used by the aristocratic hunting class to show off specialized vocabulary.
Many of the names assigned to groups of animals during this time were based on perceived characteristics or folklore, rather than any biological reality. Crows, with their dark plumage and scavenging habits, were frequently seen near places of death, such as battlefields, gallows, or open fields where carrion lay. This behavior cemented their association with misfortune and death in the minds of people.
The word “murder” reflects the dark superstition surrounding the crow, suggesting that a large gathering signaled a bad omen or sinister event. It is a name born of fear and macabre observation, rather than a description of an actual crime committed by the birds.
The Science Behind Large Crow Gatherings
While the name is rooted in folklore, crows naturally gather in large numbers for practical, biological reasons. The most significant gatherings are communal nighttime roosts, which can swell to include thousands of birds, especially during the fall and winter months. These massive groups offer a strong defense mechanism against predators.
A large flock of crows has more eyes to detect a threat, making it less likely to be hunted by nocturnal predators. Roosting together also provides a thermal advantage, as the birds can huddle to conserve body heat during cold periods. These roosts function as “information centers” where successful foragers may indirectly lead others to abundant food sources the following morning.
Crows exhibit a complex social structure that allows for synchronized defensive actions, known as mobbing. This behavior involves a small group of crows aggressively chasing and vocalizing at a larger, perceived threat, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl. Mobbing is particularly common during the crow breeding season, as it protects their nests from predators like ravens, which are often chased off by the smaller, more numerous crows.
The crow’s intelligence allows them to thrive. Crows can recognize and remember individual human faces and will communicate this information, sometimes for years or across generations. This ability to share complex information about threats or food sources enables them to organize the large gatherings.
Crows in Mythology and Symbolism
The crow’s intelligence and dark appearance have secured its place as a powerful symbol across global cultures. In Norse mythology, the god Odin had two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, whose names translate to “Thought” and “Memory.” These birds flew across the world daily to gather knowledge and whisper the news into the god’s ear, making them symbols of wisdom and information.
Ancient Greek mythology also saw the crow as a divine messenger, associating it with Apollo, the god of prophecy. Although a mythical story suggests a crow was punished by Apollo and turned from white to black, the bird retained its connection to foresight and divination. Conversely, in many Native American traditions, the crow often appears as a clever trickster figure, using wit to bring about change or creation, such as stealing the sun to bring light to the world.
The Celtic warrior goddess, The Morrígan, frequently appeared in the form of a crow or raven. Her presence linked the bird to war, fate, and a transformation that bridged the worlds of the living and the dead. These varying stories highlight the crow’s enduring reputation as a creature that operates as a link between the known world and deeper mysteries.