A collective noun is a word used to refer to a group of animals, people, or things as a single unit. For crows, the most recognized collective noun is a murder, but depending on the context, terms like horde, flock, and parcel are also used.
Collective Nouns for Crows
| Bird | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | Murder | A murder of crows |
| Crow | Horde | A horde of crows |
| Crow | Flock | A flock of crows |
| Crow | Parcel | A parcel of crows |
What is Group of Crows ?
A group of crows refers to multiple crows gathered together, often called a murder, but may also be known as a horde, flock, or parcel depending on their behavior and setting.
| Collective Noun | Meaning / Usage | Tone / Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Traditional and poetic term, often linked to folklore | Dark, dramatic, symbolic | A murder of crows gathered near the forest. |
| Horde | Large, noisy group causing disturbance | Chaotic, intense | A horde of crows raided the field. |
| Flock | General term for birds flying or feeding together | Neutral, scientific | A flock of crows flew past the hills. |
| Parcel | Small, quiet group resting or perched together | Rare, poetic | A parcel of crows sat silently on the roof. |
A Murder of Crows
A murder of crows is a classic and dramatic term, often linked to myths and mystery due to the crow’s association with omens.
Examples:
- A murder of crows circled the abandoned house.
- We saw a murder of crows perched silently on the fence.
- A sudden murder of crows filled the sky with loud cries.
A Horde of Crows
A horde of crows is a loud and overwhelming group, often causing chaos while feeding or flying in large numbers.
Examples:
- A horde of crows swarmed the marketplace.
- The horde scattered as the dog barked.
- A horde of crows landed on the field during harvest.
A Flock of Crows
A flock of crows is a general and scientifically accurate term for any group of birds flying or feeding together.
Examples:
- A flock of crows passed over the city at dusk.
- The farmer chased away a flock of crows from his crops.
- A flock of crows flew together across the sky.
A Parcel of Crows
A parcel of crows is a lesser-known and poetic term, used to describe a quiet, small group often seen resting together.
Examples:
- A parcel of crows gathered on the rooftop.
- We spotted a parcel of crows hidden in the tree branches.
- A parcel of crows watched in silence from above.
Collective Nouns for Crows – MCQs
1. What is the most famous collective noun for a group of crows?
2. Which collective noun for crows means a loud, chaotic group?
3. What term refers to crows flying or feeding like other birds?
4. Which term is rarely used and sounds poetic for a group of crows?
5. Which of the following is NOT a collective noun for crows?
Answer and Explanation
1. Murder – Most iconic and widely used term for a group of crows.
2. Horde – Describes a loud and chaotic group of crows.
3. Flock – General term for birds flying or feeding together.
4. Parcel – Rare and poetic word for a quiet group of crows.
5. Swarm – Not used for crows; it refers to insects.
Conclusion
Crows aren’t just birds they’re a symbol of mystery, intelligence, and presence. Whether gathered as a murder, horde, flock, or parcel, each collective noun adds a unique flavor to how we see these clever creatures in the wild.
