What is a Group of Owls Called?

What do you call a group of owls? Most birds live in simple groups, but the owl, which is a mysterious animal from old stories, has one of the most complicated names in the animal kingdom. 

The term parliament of owls is trending once again, not just in trivia books, but in global conservation circles. The UN's COP15 conference in Brazil recently suggested new protections for the famous Snowy Owl. This makes it more important than ever to learn about the social lives of a group of owls.

Knowing what a group of owls is called is just one of the many interesting facts about owls. These birds are more than just their name; they are a mix of wisdom and stealth that has fascinated people from Ancient Greece to the forests of modern India.

What is a Group of Owls Called?

The most common and widely accepted name for a group of owls called is a parliament. This collective noun isn't just a random choice; it reflects the bird's long-standing reputation for being wise and solemn. When owls congregate, they often sit in silent, upright postures, looking remarkably like a group of stone-faced officials in a high-stakes meeting.

While you might hear someone ask, “What is a group of owls called?” the term flock is rarely used by bird enthusiasts or experts. Instead, parliament captures the essence of their behavior: observant, quiet, and seemingly intellectual. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, many of these terms of venery (collective nouns for animals) date back to the Middle Ages, appearing in classic texts like the Book of Saint Albans (1486).

Other Collective Nouns for a Group of Owls

Though parliament is the gold standard, there are several other creative names used for a group of owls depending on the context or species:

Also Read -What is a Group of Ravens Called?

Why is a Group of Owls Called Parliament 

The term parliament gained mainstream popularity largely due to literature and mythology. Its most famous modern boost came from C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia, where a Parliament of Owls literally met to discuss the affairs of the land. Historically, the name is rooted in the legends of Greek gods and goddesses, especially the association of owls with Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

Writers in the 15th century started calling owls a parliament because they look like they're deep in thought, which is how human lawmakers act. Most owls, on the other hand, are solitary hunters. It's not common to see a real group of owls in the wild. It usually only happens when they are roosting together in the winter or when a family (a brood) stays together after hatching.

Check Out - What is a Group of Rabbits Called? 

Interesting Facts about the Owl as a Group

To really understand a group of owls, you need to know more than just their names. Here are some important things to know about how owls act:

• Communal Roosting: Although they hunt alone, some species, such as the Long-eared Owl, gather in groups during cold months to share warmth and stay safe from predators.

• Silent Communication: A parliament doesn't hoot all at once. They use subtle body language, like head-bobbing, to communicate within the group.

• The Mobbing Effect: Mobbing is when other birds form their own flocks to bother a lone owl. This can make owls have to find a new place to sleep.

• Indian Context: In India, the Forest Owlet is a high-priority species for conservation. Ongoing 2025-2026 surveys in Maharashtra are currently tracking these elusive birds to prevent their extinction.

Find Out - What is a Group of Foxes Called in English?

While a group of owls called a parliament remains a favorite piece of trivia, it also reminds us of the birds' unique status in nature. With 2026 being a pivotal year for owl conservation worldwide, these wise parliaments need our protection more than ever to ensure they continue to haunt and grace our forests.