Birders
Related: About this forumBird Names by Groups, just for the fun of it
Youve heard of a gaggle of geese or a murder of crows, but what do you call a group of Finches, Jays or Woodpeckers? Generic collective nouns such as flock fleet, or dissimulation can apply to all bird species; however, there are more distinctive terms used for groups of specific types of birds that often are a reflection of the birds personality and/or behavior.
While not all of your backyard birds have specific group names, many of them who travel or hang around in groups do so. For example, two of the most desirable birds people see in their yards are Goldfinches and Hummingbirds, and coincidentally both groups are called a charm.
If you are looking for a party, hang out with a group of Blue Jays. A group of Blue Jays is often referred to as a party or a band. This may explain why Blue Jays often seem like they are hollering out, maybe they just might be singing or doing the Shout.
A group of Woodpeckers hanging together is known as a descent. This makes sense because most Woodpeckers start at the top of trees and then continue to work their way down. If you see a group of Wrens together, then you are witnessing a herd or chime of Wrens.
Swallows spend most of their time in the air eating insects, so the group name flight fits them perfectly. A group of Sparrows is known as a host. Even though we backyard birders are the hosts to birds we invite into our spaces, wintertime in Southeastern Arizona enables us to see many exotic Sparrow species. A group of Starlings is referred to as a mumuration or chattering.
Water fowl and birds that live around water also have creative group names when they stay together. Ducks always seem to be in large groups, but do you know what the group is actually called? A group of Ducks are actually referred to as a raft of Ducks. This makes sense because they do seem to glide across the water surface.
Herons traveling or living together are called a siege. Koi pond owners would agree this name fits their nature, because Herons are known to snack on the owners expensive fish. An unusual group name that might actually be the most appropriate applies to a group of Flamingoes referred to as a flamboyance. How much more flamboyant can you get than wearing pink and high stepping everyday of you life?
Raptors and birds of prey also have unusual group names. Many people have heard the term a kettle of Hawks, but how many people know what a group of Eagles is called? A group of Eagles is called a convocation. Owls may have one of the most unusual group names and they are called a parliament. This makes sense as most people consider British politicians to be a little hooty indeed.
https://wildbirdsonline.com/blogs/news/bird-names-by-groups
Another explanation:
But what is the origin of the terms a murder of crows, a parliament of owls, and a gaggle of geese? Upon further investigation, I learned that the term murder of crows originates from folklore: flocks of crows held trials to judge and punish members of the flock that had transgressed. If found guilty, the defendant was executed (that is, murdered) by the flock. There may be some factual basis to this, as crows are territorial and may kill another crow that has encroached on their turf.
Owls are generally solitary, but when seen together the group is called a parliament as they have long been considered to be of a wise disposition. In Greek mythology, the owl is the symbol for Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
Geese are called a gaggle as the word is imitative of the noise they make. It is derived from the Middle English term gagel, which stems from the Dutch word gagelen, meaning to cackle.
And so what is a group of turkeys called? A rafter!
https://lenichoir.org/2013/04/a-murder-of-crows-a-parliament-of-owls/
elleng
(130,131 posts)question everything
(47,264 posts)I was reading a mystery book - the only ones I read these days - and one of the characters, a birder, started with a list so decided to check it out.
elleng
(130,131 posts)have a neighboring nest.