Why Are Crows Called a Murder?
Crows, ravens, and other birds that belong to the Corvidae family have been a topic of fascination and fear among humans for centuries. From ancient cultures to modern societies, crows have been depicted in mythology, art, literature, and film as harbingers of death and ill omen. But have you ever wondered why crows are sometimes called a "murder"?
The Historical Significance of the Term "Murder"
The term "murder" to describe a group of crows has its roots in the Middle Ages, where these birds were associated with the supernatural and were seen as omens of death and disease. According to historian and ornithologist John James Audubon, the term "murder" was likely coined in the 17th century, when Europeans first settled in North America. Audubon noted that in the early colonies, a group of crows was seen as an unlucky occurrence, and it was not uncommon for crows to gather around hangings or other public executions. In this context, the term "murder" made sense, as the crows were perceived to be feeding on death and mortality.
Associations with Death and Morbid Folklore
But the connection between crows and death is not just a result of their appearance around carcasses. In many cultures, crows are believed to have a role in guiding the spirits of the dead to the afterlife, or to bring ill luck to the living. For example, in many Indigenous cultures, the raven is seen as a transformer figure, with the power to create life and shape the world. However, this same figure can also be associated with death, disease, and war. Similarly, in ancient Roman mythology, the god Saturn was often depicted as surrounded by crows, who were seen as his messenger birds.
In this way, the association between crows and death was already deeply ingrained in popular culture, even before the term "murder" was coined. Today, the image of a group of crows gathering on a power line or above a grave has become a potent symbol of death, mourning, and remembrance.
Psychological Explanations
While the historical and folkloric associations between crows and death are undeniably fascinating, psychologists and bird experts have offered additional insights into why the term "murder" might stick. For example, psychologist and crow researcher John M. Marzluff notes that the size and coloration of crow gatherings can be intimidating to humans, evoking feelings of anxiety and fear. When crows gather, their bright black feathers seem to meld together into a cohesive mass, creating a striking and somewhat menacing effect. It’s possible, therefore, that the term "murder" serves as a way to articulate the instinctual fear or discomfort we feel when confronted with a large group of these birds.
Other Animals Called by Group Names
So, why are crows special in this regard? The term "murder" is not limited to just crows. In fact, many birds have specific group names that can evoke very different emotions. Here’s a list of some interesting examples:
- A group of geese is called a "gaggle"
- A group of owls is called a "parliament"
- A group of chickens is called a "peep"
- A group of ducks is called a "raft"
A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance"
- | Bird | Group Name | Fun Fact |
- —|—|—|
- Crow | Murder | associated with death and disease in medieval Europe |
- Flamingo | Flamboyance | large, flamboyant plumes inspire the name |
- Pelican | Pelican Brief | named for their use of beaks to retrieve fish |
| Hummingbird | Charm | collective noun inspired by the charm of their movement | - Goose | Gaggle | loud, protesting noise led to the group name |
- Owl | Parliament | wise, contemplative demeanor inspired the group name |
- Chicken | Peep | young birds making loud peeping noise led to the group name |
- Duck | Raft | floating bodies create the image of a raft |
- Flap, Bob, or Kite: These are interesting, often used collective nouns that we find in real-life flocks of different species
Conclusion
So why are crows called a murder? To understand the origins of the term "murder", we need to look at the cultural and historical context of medieval Europe, where these birds were associated with the supernatural, death, and disease. Today, the term remains a fascinating example of the ways in which our experiences, cultural traditions, and personal perspectives shape our perception of the natural world.
By examining the psychological explanations behind our fear of crows and the historical roots of the term "murder", we can better understand the significance of the association between crows and death, and why we find them so captivating yet intimidating.
References:
- Audubon, J. (1829). The Ornithology of Louisiana. London.
- Marzluff, J. M. (2004). Wildlife Habitat: Human Relations to Birds. Blackwell Science.
- Grahame, V. W. (1916). The Birds of Somersetshire. London.
