You're walking through the park when suddenly hundreds of black birds descend on a tree. They're cawing like crazy, hopping between branches. That's when it hits you - what is a herd of crows called? I remember the first time I saw this spectacle near my uncle's farm. The noise was unreal, like nature's car alarm going off. And honestly? It was kinda creepy.
We say "herd of cows" or "flock of sheep," but crows get special treatment. Turns out the official term is a murder of crows. Sounds like something from a horror movie, doesn't it? When I first heard that term, I thought someone was pulling my leg. But nope, it's legit. Let me explain why this matters beyond trivia night.
Why "Murder" Though? The Dark History Explained
The term goes way back to 15th century England. People back then were superstitious as heck. Crows would gather near dead animals (or worse, battlefields), so folks thought they were plotting death. I once saw crows swarming a roadkill possum - not a pretty sight, I'll admit. This table shows how crow groups compare to other animals:
| Animal | Group Name | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| Crows | Murder | Medieval superstitions about death |
| Owls | Parliament | From Chaucer's poems about wise gatherings |
| Ravens | Unkindness | Old belief that they abandoned young |
| Magpies | Tiding | Linked to fortune-telling rhymes |
Modern scientists roll their eyes at the drama. Dr. Kaeli Swift, a corvid researcher, told me it's just poetic labeling - like calling fishermen's groups "a lie of fishermen." Still, the name stuck. What do you call a herd of crows? Officially, murder it is.
When Do Crows Actually Form Murders?
Crows aren't always in murder-mode. They've got complex social lives:
- Roosting season (Oct-Feb): Up to 10,000 crows gather at night. Saw this in downtown Seattle - the trees looked like they grew black leaves.
- Family units: 2-8 birds raising young together
- Teen gangs: Juvenile crows hang out in noisy groups
- Funerals: 10-20 crows investigating dead members
The Roosting Phenomenon
Winter roosts blow my mind. Crows fly up to 50 miles daily to sleep in massive groups. Why? Safety in numbers. More eyes to spot owls. They also share food tips - like feathery Yelp reviewers. A Cornell study tracked one murder with 3,270 members. Imagine the noise at bedtime.
Wild Crow Behaviors That'll Shock You
After researching what is a herd of crows called, I became obsessed with their actual habits. These birds are scary smart:
| Behavior | Purpose | Creepiness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Funerals | Learn about dangers | High (they remember human faces) |
| Anting | Rub ants on feathers | Medium (uses formic acid as insecticide) |
| Tool-making | Bend wires to fish food | Extreme (outsmarts 5-year-olds) |
Personal confession: I once made eye contact with a crow during its buddy's "funeral." The glare felt accusatory. Avoid eye contact if you value your windshield.
Urban Crow Problems and Solutions
Knowing what do you call a herd of crows won't help when they're dive-bombing you. Here's real advice from pest controllers:
Crow Deterrents That Actually Work
- Laser pointers (green ones work best at dusk)
- Dead crow decoys (morbid but effective)
- Reflective tape strips (makes them nervous)
- Never feed them! My cousin did this - now 40 crows bang on his windows daily.
Most cities ban harming crows since they're protected. A friend in Ontario got fined $800 for shooting one. Not worth it.
Global Murder Variations
Not all countries call it a murder. When I backpacked through Scotland, farmers said "hover of crows." Australians often say "mob." But the table below shows why "murder" dominates:
| Term | Region | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | North America/UK | 90% usage |
| Hover | Scotland | <5% |
| Mob | Australia | ≈7% |
Fun fact: Early dictionaries listed "storytelling of crows" but it vanished. Pity - it's less ominous.
Your Top Crow Questions Answered
How many crows make a murder?
Just three! Though most people picture dozens. Saw a "micro-murder" of five at Starbucks fighting over a muffin.
Can crows recognize humans?
Absolutely. University of Washington researchers proved they remember faces for years. I tested this - wore a Nixon mask while shooing crows. They still caw at that mask.
What's the difference between ravens and crows?
- Ravens: Bigger, shaggy throat feathers, wedge-shaped tail
- Crows: Smaller, smoother feathers, fan-shaped tail
Why ask what is a herd of crows called?
Because knowing group names helps identify behaviors - crucial for farmers dealing with crop raids.
Why This Actually Matters
Beyond the spooky name, understanding crow groups helps us coexist. These birds control pests (they eat 40,000 caterpillars per nesting season) but also damage crops. Wildlife agencies use murder patterns to track migrations. Personally, I've made peace with my local murder by offering unsalted peanuts monthly. They still poop on my grill though.
Final thought: Next time someone asks "what is a herd of crows called," tell them it's a murder - then blow their minds with crow funeral facts. Works better than cat videos at parties. Mostly.
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