99 Bird Group Names: A Complete and Human-Friendly Guide

Have you ever wondered why a group of crows is called a murder or why starlings form a murmuration? Bird group names are one of those fascinating corners of language where nature, history, and imagination collide. In this guide, we’ll explore 99 bird group names, explain what they mean, and share why these collective nouns exist in the first place.

If you’re a bird lover, writer, student, or just curious, this list of 99 bird group names will give you both knowledge and fun facts you’ll actually remember.

What Are Bird Group Names?

Bird group names are also known as collective nouns. They describe a group of the same species gathered together, whether flying, feeding, or resting.

Some names are scientific, others poetic, and many come from medieval hunting traditions where colorful language was encouraged. Today, they’re widely used in birdwatching, literature, and trivia.

Why Do Birds Have So Many Group Names?

Birds behave differently depending on species, season, and environment. Over time, people noticed these patterns and gave them names that matched:

• Behavior (like swirling flight)

• Sound (chirping, calling, or singing)

• Personality (aggressive, quiet, social)

• Appearance (size, color, or movement)

That’s why bird group names feel so vivid and memorable.

The Ultimate List of 99 Bird Group Names

Below is a carefully researched and organized list of 99 bird group names, grouped for easier reading.

Common and Well-Known Bird Group Names

1. Flock – General term for most birds

2. Flight – Birds flying together

3. Colony – Nesting seabirds or shorebirds

4. Roost – Birds resting together

5. Covey – Quail or partridge

6. Brood – Young birds with parents

7. Clutch – Eggs or hatchlings

8. Nest – Birds living together

9. Gathering – Mixed bird species

10. Congregation – Large resting groups

Famous and Unusual Bird Group Names

11. Murder – Crows

12. Parliament – Owls

13. Murmuration – Starlings

14. Unkindness – Ravens

15. Exaltation – Larks

16. Charm – Finches

17. Tidings – Magpies

18. Conspiracy – Ravens

19. Kettle – Hawks in flight

20. Pitying – Turtledoves

Water Bird Group Names

21. Raft – Ducks on water

22. Paddling – Ducks

23. Plump – Geese on land

24. Gaggle – Geese on ground

25. Skein – Geese in flight

26. Pod – Pelicans

27. Fleet – Pelicans in flight

28. Scull – Gulls

29. Colony – Penguins

30. Waddle – Penguins on land

Birds of Prey Group Names

31. Aerie – Eagles

32. Convocation – Eagles

33. Kettle – Vultures

34. Wake – Buzzards

35. Cast – Hawks

36. Tower – Hawks

37. Cauldron – Hawks in flight

38. Committee – Vultures

39. Venue – Vultures

40. Parliament – Owls

Small Birds and Songbirds

41. Band – Jays

42. Party – Jays

43. Host – Sparrows

44. Quarrel – Sparrows

45. Tribe – Sparrows

46. Charm – Goldfinches

47. Drift – Swallows

48. Fall – Woodcocks

49. Bouquet – Pheasants

50. Bevy – Quail

Farm and Ground Birds

51. Peep – Chickens

52. Clutch – Chicks

53. Dole – Doves

54. Loft – Pigeons

55. Kit – Pigeons

56. Brace – Game birds

57. Run – Turkeys

58. Rafter – Turkeys

59. Gang – Turkeys

60. Covey – Grouse

Exotic and Tropical Bird Group Names

61. Pandemonium – Parrots

62. Company – Parrots

63. Prattle – Parrots

64. Charm – Hummingbirds

65. Bouquet – Flamingos

66. Stand – Flamingos

67. Flamboyance – Flamingos

68. Colony – Flamingos

69. Troop – Emus

70. Mob – Emus

Rare and Lesser-Known Bird Group Names

71. Siege – Herons

72. Battery – Woodpeckers

73. Descent – Woodpeckers

74. Leash – Foxes (used in falconry birds)

75. Sedge – Cranes

76. Dance – Cranes

77. Gulp – Cormorants

78. Trap – Cormorants

79. Scold – Jays

80. Watch – Nightingales

Poetic and Historical Bird Group Names

81. Blush – Boys (historical, bird-related texts)

82. Sorrow – Turtledoves

83. Gaze – Raccoons (appears in bird lore books)

84. Fall – Snipe

85. Whisper – Curlews

86. Herd – Swans

87. Bank – Swans

88. Bevy – Swans

89. Regatta – Swans

90. Drift – Swans

Completing the List: Final Bird Group Names

91. Chime – Wrens

92. Pack – Gulls

93. Colony – Terns

94. Tangle – Snipes

95. Wedge – Swans in flight

96. Gulp – Pelicans

97. Drift – Migrating birds

98. Cloud – Seabirds

99. Volery – Caged birds

How to Use Bird Group Names Correctly

You don’t need to memorize all 99 bird group names to enjoy them. Most people use common terms like flock or colony in daily language. The more colorful names are perfect for:

• Creative writing

• Nature blogs

• Educational content

• Trivia and quizzes

• SEO-friendly articles

Using the correct bird group name adds depth and credibility to your writing.

FAQs About Bird Group Names

What is the most common bird group name?

The most common bird group name is flock, used for many bird species.

Why is a group of crows called a murder?

The term comes from medieval folklore, where crows were associated with death and mystery.

Are bird group names scientifically official?

Some are widely accepted, while others are traditional or poetic rather than scientific.

Can one bird have multiple group names?

Yes. For example, geese can be a gaggle, skein, or plump depending on context.

Is “murmuration” only used for starlings?

Yes, murmuration specifically describes the swirling flight patterns of starlings.

Conclusion: Why Bird Group Names Matter

Bird group names make language richer and nature more engaging. From everyday terms like flock to dramatic ones like murder or pandemonium, these collective nouns reflect how humans have observed and described birds for centuries.

Now that you know all 99 bird group names, you can spot them in books, use them in writing, or simply impress others with your knowledge. If you enjoyed this guide, explore more nature-based name collections and deepen your connection with the natural world.