Why is a group of crows called a murder?
A group of crows is called a murder.
This spooky name comes from old stories where people believed crows would gather to put each other on trial. In reality, crows are just very social birds that hang out together to stay safe and find food.
Nerd's Section
Crows are some of the smartest animals on the planet. Scientists have found that their brain size compared to their body is similar to that of monkeys. In 2015, Dr. Kaeli Swift at the University of Washington discovered that crows actually hold 'funerals.' When a crow dies, up to 60 other crows might gather around it. They aren't mourning like humans do, but are instead looking for danger to see what killed their friend.Crows are also great at solving problems and can even remember human faces for years. A study from the University of Vienna in 2016 showed that crows hide their food more carefully if they think another bird is watching them. This shows they understand that others have their own thoughts and goals. During the winter, thousands of crows sleep in the same trees to stay warm and share tips on where to find snacks.The name 'murder' for a group of crows is a very old tradition. It was first written down in a famous book from 1486 called the 'Book of Saint Albans.' Back then, people were very superstitious and thought crows were a sign of bad luck or death. Today, we know they are just clever birds looking out for their family and friends.
Verified Fact
FP-0000590 · Feb 25, 2026