Jonah Patel
A murder is the collective noun for a group of crows. The origin of the term is unclear, but it likely stems from medieval hunting culture and folk tales. Some believe that the term reflects the perception of crows as ominous, associating them with death and battlefields. Others suggest that crows, being social and intelligent, may have been thought to plot or tell stories together. While there is no definitive number, some sources suggest that a group of three crows constitutes a murder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Collective noun for a group of crows | Murder |
| Minimum number of crows | 2 or 3 |
| Maximum number of crows | Thousands |
| Folkloric significance | Spiritual omen, symbol of transformation and change |
| Social behaviour | Highly social and caring |
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What You'll Learn
Folk tales and superstitions
Crows have long been associated with doom and devastation. In Celtic folklore, crows were connected to terrible beings who were once goddesses but lived on as hags or monsters after the coming of Christianity. Meeting a single crow or hearing one croak on your left side in the morning is considered unlucky, and if a single bird flies three times over a roof or a window, it is believed to be a death omen.
In Welsh folklore, the number of crows has different meanings: one black crow signifies bad luck, two bring good luck, three foretell the birth of a son, four mean a daughter will be born, five crows predict a funeral, six flying head-on are an omen of sudden death, and seven crows with their tails towards you predict death within seven years.
In Central European tradition, baby boys are brought by storks, while baby girls are brought by crows. In another tradition, King Arthur is said to return as a raven or its cousin, the Cornish chough, and people were warned not to harm ravens in the belief that they might be Arthur.
In Gloucestershire, an abandoned rookery foretells the landowner's death, while the height of rook nests in the trees predicts the kind of summer to come—high nests mean a fine summer, while low nests predict a wet and windy one.
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Social habits
Crows are highly social birds that are known to flock together and trust the shared knowledge of others. They are extremely intelligent and have a strong sense of family. They are also monogamous and mate for life. Crows are known to create strong familial bonds between related individuals, helping with roosting and feeding the mother bird. They are also known to hold "funerals" for their dead, a behaviour that has been observed in only a few other species, including elephants, dolphins, and some primates.
Crows are known to roost in large numbers (in the thousands) to protect themselves from enemies like red-tailed hawks, horned owls, and raccoons. They use at least 250 different calls, including a distress call that brings other crows to their aid. Interestingly, crows will defend unrelated crows. They are also known to have an innate sense of justice, deciding the fate of ostracized crows within the murder.
Crows are considered pests by farmers trying to protect their crops and seedlings. They are also associated with death and considered scary by some people due to their black feathers and scavenging behaviour. However, in some cultures, they have been regarded as sacred beings or allies for generations.
The term "murder of crows" reflects a time when groupings of many animals had colourful and poetic names. While some consider a group of three crows to be a murder, others believe that two crows can also constitute a murder since a murder is a group, and two is a group.
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Spiritual omens
While there is no clear consensus on the exact number of crows that constitute a "murder", most sources suggest that a group of three crows is considered a murder. In many cultures, seeing three crows is believed to be a spiritual omen, often interpreted as a symbol of transformation, creativity, and new beginnings. Some believe that this sighting signifies a message from the spiritual realm, indicating that an individual is on the brink of significant transition or personal growth.
Crows have long been associated with spiritual omen and hold symbolic significance in various cultures and belief systems. Here are some spiritual interpretations of crows:
Native American Traditions
In Native American traditions, crows are considered sacred animals with strong ties to the spirit world. Certain tribes, such as the Hopi and Sioux, view crows as spiritual guides that bring wisdom and messages from ancestors. They symbolize change, personal growth, and transformation.
Celtic Mythology
In Celtic mythology, crows are associated with the goddess Morrigan, who could shape-shift into a crow. They are seen as omens of fate, often appearing before battles to predict and influence outcomes. Crows also symbolize death and rebirth in Celtic beliefs.
Hinduism
In Hindu culture, crows are believed to carry the souls of deceased loved ones. They are honoured during rituals like Shradh, where offerings are made to ensure the peace of the ancestors' spirits.
Norse Mythology
Norse mythology links crows to Odin, the god of wisdom and war, who has two ravens named Huginn and Muninn, representing thought and memory. In this context, crows symbolize knowledge, foresight, and intelligence.
Dreams and Omens
Seeing crows in dreams can also hold spiritual significance. In some traditions, dreaming of crows is considered a bad omen, foreshadowing sadness or life changes. However, it can also symbolize intuition, wisdom, and transformation. If a crow feather appears in your dreams, it may signify protection, new love, or the freedom to go anywhere in the world.
General Spiritual Omens
In some cultures, spotting a crow is seen as a good omen, symbolizing good fortune or a message from a higher power. Crows are often viewed as messengers, protectors, or guides, urging individuals to pay attention to their surroundings and be mindful of the messages the universe may be sending.
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Origin of the term
The term "murder" to describe a group of crows likely originated in the Middle Ages, specifically in the context of medieval hunting. Hunting was not merely a sport or a means of finding food during this period but also served as a measure of privilege and nobility. Each aspect of the hunt had its own specific terminology, including the animals being pursued, their body parts, the stages of the chase, and the behaviour of the hounds. This specialised vocabulary was known as "terms of venery," derived from the Latin word "vēnor," meaning "I hunt."
The earliest known collection of terms of venery can be found in the "Book of Saint Albans", a handbook on manliness first published in 1486. This book includes terms such as a ""pride of lions," a "flock of sheep," and a "herd of deer." The term "murder of crows" likely originated during this time, reflecting the perception of crows as ominous and associated with death.
Crows are scavengers and predators, feeding on various foods, including roadkill, insects, frogs, snakes, mice, corn, human fast food, and even the eggs and nestlings of other birds. Their presence near battlefields, medieval hospitals, cemeteries, and gallows further contributed to their association with death. Additionally, folklore and superstitions surrounding crows, such as the belief that they peck out the eyes of their victims, further solidified their ominous reputation.
While the exact reasoning behind the term "murder" is not definitively known, several theories exist. One theory suggests that the term reflects the belief that crows gather and decide the fate of another crow, as depicted in a folktale. Another theory posits that the term arose from the loud and raucous nature of crows, leading observers to imagine them plotting a murder rather than exchanging stories.
It's worth noting that the term "murder" may be considered outdated and inaccurate, given the growing understanding of crows as intelligent and social creatures. Some have suggested alternative terms that highlight the positive characteristics of crows, such as their problem-solving abilities and thoughtful nature.
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Ravens vs crows
Crows and ravens are both members of the Corvidae family, which also includes magpies and blue jays. They are large black birds found on most continents and are common in towns, cities, and agricultural land. Crows are slightly smaller than ravens, with a length of about 46 cm (18 inches) and a wingspan of around 95 cm (36 inches). Ravens, on the other hand, can measure up to 67 cm (26 inches) long with a wingspan of up to 130 cm (51 inches). While both species have bristles at the base of their beaks, ravens have noticeably longer bristles and more curved beaks. Ravens also have more prominent throat feathers, resembling a luxurious cravat.
When it comes to behaviour, ravens are more likely to glide using air currents, while crows tend to rely more on flapping their wings for flight. Ravens often travel in pairs, while crows are more social and are typically seen in larger groups, known as a "murder". The term "murder of crows" is derived from old folk tales and superstitions, such as the belief that crows gather to decide the fate of another crow. Crows are highly intelligent and social creatures, contrary to their association with death and negative omens.
In terms of vocalizations, crows produce a distinctive cawing sound, while ravens have a lower croaking call. Crows may also purr, whereas ravens have been described as screaming "bloody murder". These vocal differences, along with physical characteristics and flight patterns, can help distinguish between crows and ravens.
While both crows and ravens have their unique characteristics, it is important to note that there are over 40 species worldwide, making identification to the species level challenging at times.
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Frequently asked questions
A murder refers to a group of crows, with varying opinions on the minimum number of crows required. Some say three crows constitute a murder, while others suggest two or more can be considered a murder.
The term likely originates from the Middle Ages when hunting was a significant measure of privilege and nobility. The tradition of naming groups of animals with colourful and poetic terms led to "a murder of crows". The name may also reflect the perception of crows as ominous and their association with death and scavenging.
While "murder" is the most common term, some people may use other names like storytelling of crows or simply refer to a small group as a "family".
Other collective nouns for birds include a "charm of goldfinches", an "unkindness of ravens", and a "pride of lions".
Crows are highly social and intelligent, and they often gather in large flocks, producing loud caws. However, they can also be found in smaller family units or as solitary individuals.
