What is a Group of Owls Called?

Owls are distinctive birds of prey known for their unique appearance. They have stout bodies, sit upright, and possess specialized feathers that enable them to fly silently. These creatures are primarily nocturnal, and equipped with large eyes and binocular vision. Remarkably, owls have large heads capable of rotating up to 270 degrees, allowing them to look behind them without changing their body position.

Owls can be found in various habitats worldwide, except for polar regions. They are typically solitary birds that prefer hunting during low-light periods, such as nightfall, dawn, and dusk. As a result, sightings of groups of owls are quite rare.

When owls do come together in a group, they maintain their quiet nature. Their solemn and upright appearance has led many to associate wisdom with them. Consequently, a group of owls, which might look quite dignified perched on branches, is often referred to as a “Parliament.”

Other collective nouns for owls:

• Bazaar
• Wisdom
• Eyrie
• Congress
• Looming
• Hooting
• Sagaciousness
• Diss
• Stooping
• Look
• Flock

Why do we call a group of owls a parliament?

Well, most of these special names for groups of birds have been around since the Middle Ages and often reflect something unique about the birds. Many of these names started in old poems and have stuck around.

Now, when it comes to owls being called a parliament, there are a few ideas about why this term became so well-known and widely used. One popular reason is C.S. Lewis’ book, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which came out in the 1950s. In that book, he talked about a group of owls as a parliament. Since his book was quite popular, it could be one reason why people started using this term more.

But the real origin of this term goes way back to the 1300s. Geoffrey Chaucer, a poet from the 14th century, used the term “Parlement of Foules” to describe a big gathering of birds (fowls). So, it’s possible that C.S. Lewis read Chaucer’s poetry and got inspired to use “parliament” for owls.

Honestly, “a parliament of owls” just sounds much more interesting and poetic compared to plain phrases like “a group of owls” or “a flock of owls.” C.S. Lewis probably didn’t worry too much about whether owls actually gather in these groups.

Now, there’s another, less likely idea. In the United Kingdom, there’s a place called Parliament where politicians meet, and sometimes they make a lot of noise, kind of like shouting and hooting when they talk about politics. Parliaments are also linked to knowledge and wisdom, and since owls are often seen as wise and knowledgeable (you know, “wise as an owl”), people might have made connections and played with words.

So, whether it’s because of literature or wordplay, “A Parliament of Owls” has a special ring to it.

What do we call a group of flying owls?

When in flight, a group of owls is referred to as a “silence.” However, it’s extremely rare to see owls flying together in groups. Why are they called a “silence”? Owls have the remarkable ability to fly almost silently, which is crucial to their survival. This skill allows them to stealthily hunt their prey, preventing their prey from hearing them approaching and escaping. While it’s unusual to see a group of owls flying together, it does happen occasionally. The best time to witness this is during cold winter nights when many owls hunt during the daylight or form small communities.

What is a group of baby owls called?

Generally speaking, a group of baby owls is called a “brood of owlets.” The term “owlet” is used to describe baby or hatchling owls.

Do owls flock together in groups?

Yes, a few species of owls do occasionally form small flocks. These groups usually consist of family members or owls from the same species, and typically, there are up to 5 owls in the group, although this can vary between species. Some species also roost communally in small numbers and can sometimes be seen flying together. For instance, short-eared owls and barn owls are known to form these small groups, and burrowing owls sometimes nest in small groups.

When do owls flock together?

If owls choose to form a small flock with other owls, it usually occurs outside of the breeding season. During the breeding season, owls generally live together in pairs.

Why do owls flock together?

Owls are believed to roost together for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it provides safety, as they can watch out for predators or mobbing songbirds more effectively. Additionally, roosting together helps them stay warm during the colder months, as they can huddle together for added warmth. These roosting sites are often located near good hunting areas, so information about prey availability can also be shared among the owls in the roost.

Do owls prefer solitary or group living?

Owls typically prefer solitary living, in pairs with their mate, or with other family members, although cohabitation with family members may be temporary, usually until young owls become independent.

How many owls make up a flock?

To be considered a flock, there generally needs to be a minimum of three to five owls together. If there are fewer than that, they are usually regarded as a pair or solitary individuals.

What do you call a pair of owls?

There isn’t a specific term for two owls together, so they are simply known as a “pair of owls.”

Is there a special name for a group of barn owls?

Yes, a group of barn owls is referred to as a “stable of barn owls.”

What is a collective name for a gathering of snowy owls?

A gathering of snowy owls is often called a “blizzard of snowy owls.”

Do barred owls have a unique collective name for their group?

Yes, barred owls have two collective nouns for their group: a “jail of barred owls” and a “prohibition of barred owls.”