What Are Groups of Birds Called? The Complete Guide to Bird Group Names

Birds are fascinating creatures—graceful in flight, diverse in species, and incredibly social. But have you ever wondered what are groups of birds called? Whether it’s a flock of geese flying in a “V” or a noisy bunch of crows in the trees, each group often has a unique and sometimes whimsical name. This guide will explore the colorful vocabulary behind bird group names, from the common to the downright bizarre.

Let’s dive into the avian world and uncover what is a group of birds called across different species.

Why Do Birds Gather in Groups?

Before diving into the terminology, it helps to understand why birds flock together in the first place. Birds are social animals, and grouping up offers several benefits:

• Protection from predators: Safety in numbers makes it harder for predators to target an individual bird.
• Efficient foraging: Birds can work together to find food more effectively.
• Social interaction: Many birds are highly social and depend on their groups for communication, mating, and navigation.

Depending on the situation—whether they’re feeding, flying, or nesting—the name of a group of birds may differ. Now, let’s look at the various terms used to describe these gatherings.

Common Term: Flock

When most people think of a group of birds, the word “flock” comes to mind. This is the most universal term and is often used when describing birds in flight or feeding together.

✅ A flock of birds is the standard, catch-all term for most bird groups.

But did you know that depending on the species, a group of birds is called by many other unique names?

What Is Called a Group of Birds? A Species-by-Species Breakdown

Let’s explore some of the most famous—and unusual—names used for bird groups. These collective nouns often reveal interesting facts about the birds’ behavior or history.

1. A Murder of Crows

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Perhaps the most infamous bird group name, a murder of crows sounds dark and mysterious. This term likely comes from old folk tales and superstitions linking crows to death and omens.

• ✅ Birds group called: Murder
• 🐦 Applies to: Crows

2. A Parliament of Owls

Owls are associated with wisdom in many cultures, so it makes poetic sense that a group of owls is called a parliament.

• ✅ Birds group is called: Parliament
• 🦉 Applies to: Owls

3. A Gaggle of Geese

When geese are on the ground or in water, they form a gaggle. But once they take flight, the name changes.

• ✅ Name of a group of birds: Gaggle (on land), Skein (in flight)
• 🪿 Applies to: Geese

4. A Murmuration of Starlings

A murmuration is one of nature’s most breathtaking sights. It refers to the swirling, synchronized flight patterns of starlings.

• ✅ What is a group of birds called: Murmuration
• ✨ Applies to: Starlings

5. A Convocation of Eagles

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Eagles are majestic birds of prey. When seen together (a rare occurrence), they’re called a convocation.

• ✅ Birds group is called: Convocation
• 🦅 Applies to: Eagles

6. A Colony of Penguins

Whether on ice or in the water, a group of penguins is called a colony. On land, you may also hear the term waddle due to their unique walking style.

• ✅ A group of birds are called: Colony or Waddle
• 🐧 Applies to: Penguins

7. A Kettle of Hawks

When hawks circle together on thermal air currents, it’s known as a kettle. This behavior often occurs during migration.

• ✅ Birds group called: Kettle
• 🪶 Applies to: Hawks

8. A Charm of Finches

Bright, small, and cheerful, finches group together in what’s charmingly called a charm.

• ✅ Birds group is called: Charm
• 🐥 Applies to: Finches

9. A Bevy of Quail

Quail gather in groups called a bevy, often while foraging on the ground.

• ✅ Name of a group of birds: Bevy
• 🦤 Applies to: Quail

10. An Exaltation of Larks

One of the most poetic bird group names, an exaltation of larks speaks to their melodious song.

• ✅ What is called a group of birds: Exaltation
• 🎶 Applies to: Larks

Extended List: 30+ Group Names of Birds

Here are a few more unusual and whimsical names you might not have heard of:

Bird Species	Group Name(s)	Fun Fact or Meaning
Crows	Murder	Possibly tied to old superstitions and dark folklore.
Owls	Parliament	Inspired by their wise appearance—like lawmakers in debate.
Geese (on land)	Gaggle	Sounds like their honking—used when they’re on the ground.
Geese (in flight)	Skein, Wedge, or Team	Refers to formation or coordinated flight patterns.
Starlings	Murmuration	Refers to their swirling, hypnotic flight movements.
Eagles	Convocation	A formal term for when rare gatherings happen.
Penguins	Colony, Waddle, or Huddle	“Waddle” highlights their funny walking style.
Hawks (circling)	Kettle	Looks like water boiling in a pot—applies to birds riding thermals.
Finches	Charm	A sweet name for these colorful, melodic birds.
Quail	Bevy or Covey	Describes their tight-knit ground foraging groups.
Larks	Exaltation	A poetic term, often linked to their beautiful song.
Flamingos	Flamboyance or Stand	“Flamboyance” reflects their bright color and social flair.
Peacocks	Ostentation or Muster	Ostentation = showy and extravagant, just like peacocks!
Parrots	Pandemonium	A nod to their noisy, chaotic chatter.
Ravens	Unkindness or Conspiracy	Mysterious and ominous—like something from Edgar Allan Poe.
Doves	Dole, Cote, or Pitying	Reflects peace, gentleness, and nesting behavior.
Pigeons	Kit, Loft, or Dropping	“Kit” when flying together; “Loft” often refers to their home.
Sparrows	Host	An older term for a large group of these small birds.
Swans	Bevy, Ballet, or Wedge	“Ballet” references their grace; “Wedge” applies in flight.
Herons	Siege	Rare but majestic gatherings near water.
Lapwings	Deceit	Named for their tactic of distracting predators from nests.
Rooks	Building	A pun—“building” as in construction and a group of rooks.
Woodpeckers	Descent	Likely from how they move downward along tree trunks.
Bitterns	Sedge or Siege	Often found in marshy, sedge-rich habitats.
Curlews	Head or Herd	Coastal birds that may gather in sizable feeding groups.
Plovers	Congregation or Wing	Seen together near beaches or wetlands.
Hummingbirds	Charm, Bouquet, or Glittering	Reflects their beauty and jewel-like appearance.
Goldfinches	Charm or Treasury	“Treasury” for their golden feathers.
Jays	Band or Scold	“Scold” comes from their loud, nagging calls.
Chickens	Brood or Peep	“Brood” for a family unit; “Peep” for chicks.
Vultures (ground)	Wake	Refers to gathering near carrion, like a funeral wake.
Vultures (flying)	Kettle or Committee	“Committee” is ironically formal for such ominous birds.
Nightingales	Watch	A rare term, linked to their nocturnal singing.
Magpies	Tiding, Gulp, or Murder	Regional variations; some share terms with crows.

Each of these names paints a vivid picture, and many date back to medieval times when poetic language was commonly used in hunting and animal references.

Why Are Bird Group Names So Varied?

The variety in bird group names comes from centuries of language evolution. Many of these collective nouns were coined during the Middle Ages and appeared in works like The Book of Saint Albans (1486), which listed imaginative group names for animals, both real and mythical.

The reasons behind the names often stem from:

• Physical characteristics (e.g., a “waddle” of penguins)
• Behaviors (e.g., a “murmuration” of starlings)
• Folklore and symbolism (e.g., a “murder” of crows)

What Is a Group of Birds Called in Different Contexts?

Interestingly, what is a group of birds called may change depending on the birds’ activity:

• Flying: “Flock,” “skein,” or “kettle”
• Nesting: “Colony” or “rookery”
• Feeding: “Flock” or “bevy”
• Roosting: “Cluster” or “communal roost”

So if you hear someone refer to a group of birds are called a “kettle,” they’re likely observing hawks circling in the sky.

Are These Names Used by Scientists?

In formal scientific literature, researchers often stick to more general terms like:

• Flock
• Group
• Colony
• Aggregation

These terms are clearer and more consistent for study. However, the colorful collective nouns like “parliament” or “murmuration” are more common in birdwatching, literature, and popular science writing.

Tips for Remembering Bird Group Names

Want to impress your friends on your next nature hike or trivia night? Here are a few memory tips:

• Alliteration helps: “Gaggle of Geese,” “Murder of Crows,” “Charm of Finches”—the repeating consonants make them stick.
• Visualize behavior: Think of the swirling motion in a “murmuration” or the solemn pose of a “parliament” of owls.
• Create flashcards: Make a game out of memorizing bird group names with images and examples.

Final Thoughts: Why Bird Group Names Matter

Understanding what are groups of birds called goes beyond mere vocabulary—it connects us to history, culture, and nature. These terms reflect how humans have observed and described bird behavior for centuries, often with humor, reverence, and poetry.

So the next time someone asks what is a group of birds called, you’ll not only have the answer—you’ll have a whole story to tell.

FAQ: Bird Group Names