Owls, with their enigmatic presence and nocturnal habits, have always been a subject of fascination and intrigue. Like many bird species, they have their own unique collective nouns, which not only reflect their nature but also enrich our language and our understanding of these magnificent creatures. Let’s look at what you call a group of owls–and a group of baby owls!
What Do You Call a Group of Owls?
The most commonly used collective noun for a group of owls is a “parliament.”
This term is steeped in folklore and literary references. One of the most notable is Edward Lear’s 1846 book, A Book of Nonsense, where he used the term.
Additionally, the term gained popularity from C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, where a group of wise owls met to discuss important matters, much like a human parliamentary assembly.
‘Well, I was with [Caspian] on that journey: with him and Reepicheep the Mouse, and the Lord Drinian and all of them […] and what I want to say is this, that I’m the King’s man; and if this parliament of owls is any sort of plot against the King, I’m having nothing to do with it.‘
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair
The choice of the word “parliament” reflects the traditional association of owls with wisdom and solemnity. Historically, owls have been linked to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, which further reinforces this association.
Collective Name for Baby Owls
Baby owls are commonly known as “owlets.”
When referring to a group of them, they can be called a “brood” of owlets.
This term is generally used for a group of baby birds that were born and raised together in the same nest. It emphasizes the familial and nurturing aspect of the group, as most bird species, including owls, are very attentive to their young during the early stages of their life.
The beauty of collective nouns often lies in their poetic nature, giving us a creative lens through which to view the natural world. In the case of owls, terms like “parliament” and “brood” not only provide a linguistic tool but also reflect our cultural and historical perceptions of these fascinating birds.
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