What Is a Group of Falcons Called? These Raptors Don't Flock

Think hard: When was the last time you actually saw falcons in a group? Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

When you spot a bird of prey with sharp talons, a curved beak, and long, pointed wings built for speed, you may be looking at a falcon.

But when there’s more than one, you might wonder: What is a group of falcons called? Like many birds in the animal kingdom, falcons have their own special collective noun.

Contents

A Group of Falcons Is Called a Cast
Falcons and Their Bird Relatives
Collective Nouns in the Bird World
Falcons in the Sky

A Group of Falcons Is Called a Cast

The correct term for a group of falcons is a "cast." This collective noun comes from the world of falconry, where trained falcons would be flown in small groups, or casts, often in pairs or trios.

While you might rarely see large groups of falcons in the wild, the term still applies.

Unlike a flock of geese or a gaggle of turkeys, a cast of falcons reflects their role in hunting and their connection to humans through history.

Falcons and Their Bird Relatives

This is one hefty waddle of penguins. George Vollmy / Shutterstock

Falcons belong to a diverse lineup of birds. They’re part of a broader group of raptors (birds of prey) that also includes hawks, eagles, and owls. Other collective nouns for birds include:

A murder of crows
A parliament of owls
A gaggle of geese (on land) or a skein (in flight)
A covey of quail
A waddle of penguins

You’ll also find fun terms like a raft of ducks, a brood of hens, and a stand or flamboyance of flamingos. Collective nouns for birds are both practical and poetic, giving insight into behavior and appearance.

Collective Nouns in the Bird World

Birds like sparrows, robins, and starlings each have their own group names, often rooted in centuries-old language. A group of starlings is called a murmuration, while ravens gather in an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Some lesser-known group names include:

A colony of gulls
A bevy of doves
A cast of hawks (also used for falcons)
A siege of herons

These terms highlight both the social nature and the mystery surrounding birds like falcons, hawks, and vultures.

Falcons in the Sky

Though falcons don’t often gather in large numbers, they may group temporarily during migration or in areas with abundant prey. Peregrine falcons, for instance, are among the fastest animals on Earth and typically fly solo, but you may see a small cast near cliffs or open plains.

Falcons, like many birds of prey, are apex aerial hunters. Their speed, sharp eyesight, and stealth make them one of the most admired species in the skies.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.