Why a group of crows is called a ‘murder’ and the story behind it

Crows are rarely found alone. They congregate on rooftops, fields, and trees, frequently attracting notice simply by their sheer number and volume. When this happens, many people have the same question. What do you call a group of crows? The most common answer is murder. The word appears in dictionaries and popular literature, and it sounds much darker than the birds themselves. It is not a scientific label, although it has been around for centuries. Other names exist, some of which are older and more practical. This article examines the origins of the word murder, how it is used today, and why the English invented such strange names for animal groupings.

The reason a group of crows is called a murder

A group of crows is generally called a murder. The word goes back to the Late Middle Ages and is one of the set of traditional collective nouns. These words were usually more poetic or dramatic than accurate. Most of them have become obsolete, but murder of crows has kept its popularity, mainly because it is a memorable and evocative phrase.

The root of the term 'murder' lies in folklore

The word is a reflection of the old perception of crows. They were thought to be connected to death, battlefields, and evil omens. Their black feathers and the harshness of their calls were said to have given rise to such ideas. Certain tales even narrated that crows would come together to decide the fate of other animals. The term murder, however, is in line with that convention, even if it doesn't reflect actual crow behavior.

Scientists prefer plain language over poetic terms

In modern ornithology, murder is rarely used. Researchers and birdwatchers usually say flock or group. These words are clearer and avoid confusion. Murder survives mainly in literature, museums, and general conversation rather than scientific work.

Mob describes behaviour rather than symbolism

Another accepted term is mob, especially when crows work together to chase predators. In this case, the word describes an action, not a fixed group. It is more practical, though far less well known.

Collective nouns reflect language more than nature

English contains many old names for animal groups, from a parliament of owls to an unkindness of ravens. Most are no longer used in daily speech. Murder of crows endures because it matches the bird’s reputation and adds drama to an ordinary sight. It tells us more about human storytelling than about crows themselves.