A guide to collective nouns for birds. Learn what to call groups of eagles, owls, geese, and more with their fascinating origins.
🐦 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Blackbirds Called? One name, two unrelated birds, and a lot of confusion depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on. 💬 A group of blackbirds is most often called a cloud, with flock also used generally. “Blackbird” actually refers to two unrelated birds: the … Read more
🐦 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Hens Called? The backyard bird that quite literally invented the phrase “pecking order.” 💬 A group of hens is most often called a run, with brood reserved more specifically for a hen and her own chicks. Domestic hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are one of the … Read more
Mammals | Birds | Fish | Reptiles | Insects | Amphibians | Crustaceans | Arachnids Finches are small, lively birds known for their colorful feathers, bright personalities, and cheerful songs. They gather in groups often enough that English speakers gave their flocks several creative and charming collective nouns. If you’ve ever wondered what to call … Read more
🦤 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Emus Called? A term shared with kangaroos and koalas, and just as Australian as the bird itself. 💬 A group of emus is called a mob (Dromaius), the same broad Australian term used for kangaroos and several other native animals seen moving together across the … Read more
🐦 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Pigeons Called? A city regular with a surprisingly decorated history as a wartime messenger. 💬 A group of pigeons is most often called a flock, with kit and loft used more specifically among pigeon keepers. Pigeons (Columba livia) have been domesticated for roughly 5,000 years … Read more
📖 Collective Noun Lookup What Animals Form a Muster? A word for a military roll call, borrowed by two birds that know how to make an entrance. 💬 “Muster” is a collective noun for peacocks and storks — two birds that could not look more different, one loud and iridescent, one quiet and long-legged, yet … Read more
🦜 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Toucans Called? A name that pays tribute to the most famous nose in show business. 💬 A group of toucans is called a durante, a playful nod to Jimmy Durante, the American entertainer famous for his oversized nose, mirroring the toucan’s own signature oversized bill. … Read more
🦅 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Falcons Called? A falconry term that stuck around long after most people stopped hunting with birds of prey. Quick answer: A group of falcons is most often called a cast of falcons, a falconry term originally used specifically for two falcons flown together. When a … Read more
📖 Collective Noun Lookup What Animals Form a Herd? The single most common animal-group word in English — and it applies to far more than hoofed mammals. 💬 “Herd” is a collective noun for antelope, bison, boars, caribou, cranes, dolphins, donkeys, eland, elephants, gnus, ibex, manatees, moose, walruses, wildebeest, wrens, and yak — the default, … Read more
🐦 Birds · Collective Nouns What Is a Group of Gulls Called? Squawking over a dropped sandwich or nesting by the thousand on a sea cliff, gulls have picked up a few different names for their gatherings. 💬 A group of gulls is most commonly called a colony, the term used for the dense breeding … Read more