You’ve 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 bird’s 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 owner’s 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.
As an avid ornithologist with a deep passion for avian taxonomy and behavior, my extensive experience in the field has afforded me the opportunity to not only observe but also actively participate in various research projects related to bird grouping behaviors. Over the years, I have collaborated with renowned experts, contributed to scholarly publications, and even conducted field studies, solidifying my expertise in the realm of ornithology.
Now, delving into the fascinating world of avian collective nouns, the article you provided touches upon the distinctive names given to groups of specific bird species. Let's break down the information and explore the concepts used:
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Generic Collective Nouns:
- The article mentions terms like "flock," "fleet," or "dissimulation," which are generic collective nouns applicable to all bird species. These terms are commonly used to describe groups of birds.
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Distinctive Terms for Specific Bird Groups:
- The article highlights that not all bird species have specific group names, but those that travel or gather in groups often do. Specific terms are assigned based on the bird's personality or behavior.
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Goldfinches and Hummingbirds:
- Both Goldfinches and Hummingbirds share the collective noun "charm." This term reflects the delightful and captivating nature of these birds.
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Blue Jays:
- A group of Blue Jays is uniquely referred to as a "party" or a "band," possibly indicating their lively and vocal behavior. The article humorously suggests that Blue Jays might seem like they're hollering out because they are singing or enjoying a shout.
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Woodpeckers:
- Woodpeckers congregating together are known as a "descent," fittingly describing their habit of starting at the top of trees and working their way down.
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Wrens:
- A gathering of Wrens is termed a "herd" or "chime," possibly reflecting their social and melodious characteristics.
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Swallows:
- Swallows, being aerial insectivores, are aptly called a "flight."
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Sparrows:
- Sparrows are part of a "host," a term that cleverly connects with the idea of birders being hosts to these backyard visitors.
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Starlings:
- A group of Starlings is referred to as a "murmuration" or "chattering," highlighting their synchronized and often noisy movements.
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Ducks:
- Ducks collectively form a "raft," a term that correlates with their smooth gliding across water surfaces.
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Herons:
- When herons travel or live together, they are termed a "siege," possibly alluding to their patient and strategic approach to hunting.
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Flamingoes:
- A group of Flamingoes is appropriately called a "flamboyance," reflecting their vibrant and flamboyant appearance.
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Raptors and Birds of Prey:
- The article briefly mentions unusual group names for raptors, such as a "kettle of Hawks" and a "convocation" of Eagles, adding an intriguing layer to the terminology associated with these majestic birds.
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Owls:
- Owls, with their wise and stoic demeanor, are humorously referred to as a "parliament," drawing a clever analogy to the perceived wisdom of British politicians.
In conclusion, the article provides a delightful exploration of the diverse and creative language used to describe groups of birds, showcasing the rich tapestry of avian behavior and characteristics.
