Some animals have well-known group names. Wolves live in packs, fish swim in schools and cows gather in herds. But when several owls come together, the English language gives them a much more distinguished title.With their enormous eyes, solemn expressions and mysterious nighttime habits, owls have fascinated people for centuries. They’ve appeared in mythology, literature and folklore, often representing wisdom or secret knowledge. Their collective name fits that reputation perfectly, even if the birds themselves aren’t especially sociable.So, what do you call a group of owls, and where did the unusual name come from? Here’s everything you need to know.Related: 101 Bird Puns That Will Make You Quack Up
What Is a Group of Owls Called?
A group of owls is called a parliament. The term is the best-known collective noun for these birds, although several less familiar alternatives exist.
The name brings to mind a gathering of serious-looking owls discussing important matters. It’s an amusing image, especially considering their reputation for wisdom.
Unlike a pack of wolves or a herd of elephants, however, a parliament of owls isn’t something people frequently encounter in nature. Most owl species spend much of their lives alone or with a mate.Related: The 5 Best Bird Watching Spots in the U.S. for Retirees
Why Is a Group of Owls Called a Parliament?
Ural OwlsKrzysztof Baranowski / Getty Images
According to Merriam-Webster, the word “parliament” refers to a legislative assembly. Applied to owls, the term creates an amusing picture of serious-looking birds gathered to deliberate, much like lawmakers. It’s a fitting comparison for animals that have long symbolized wisdom.
While the exact origin of “a parliament of owls” isn’t certain, literature helped make the expression familiar.
One influential example appears in The Silver Chair, the 1953 novel by C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia series. The story features a gathering of talking owls who meet to discuss important matters. Lewis helped popularize the phrase, although it appeared in print decades before his novel.
The expression may also have a connection to The Parliament of Fowls, a 14th-century poem by Geoffrey Chaucer featuring an assembly of birds. However, there’s no definitive evidence that Chaucer originated the owl-specific term.
The name also suits the owl’s longstanding association with wisdom. In ancient Greek mythology, the owl was associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
Are There Other Names for a Group of Owls?
Parliament is the most recognizable term, but several alternatives appear in collections of animal group names:
A stare of owls: A reference to their large eyes and intense gaze. A wisdom of owls: A nod to their traditional association with intelligence. A bazaar of owls: An unusual expression found in some collective-noun lists. A study of owls: Another imaginative name reflecting their serious appearance.These alternatives are much less established than “parliament” and are generally considered playful expressions rather than scientific terminology. Wildlife researchers typically use practical descriptions such as a pair, family group or communal roost.Related: Which Bird Mirrors Your Soul, Based on Birth Month
Do Owls Actually Live in Groups?
Eurasian Pygmy OwlKrzysztof Baranowski / Getty Images
Despite their impressive collective name, most owls are solitary birds. Many species maintain territories, hunt independently and come together primarily for breeding.
However, there are exceptions.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, long-eared owls sometimes gather in communal roosts outside the breeding season. These groups can contain as many as 100 birds.
Such gatherings are particularly associated with winter, when multiple owls may rest in sheltered locations during daylight hours. Long-eared owls also occasionally nest in loose colonies, although they generally hunt independently.
Other owl species may be seen together as breeding pairs or family groups while young birds still depend on their parents.
What Is a Baby Owl Called?
Tawny Owl OwletAndyworks / Getty Images
A baby owl is called an owlet.
Owlets typically hatch covered in soft down and depend on their parents for food and protection. Their development varies by species, but young owls generally remain near their nests before becoming independent.
Some leave the nest before they can fly well. These youngsters may climb or hop along nearby branches while their parents continue feeding them.
Finding a young owl outside its nest doesn’t necessarily mean it has been abandoned. Its parents may still be caring for it nearby.
7 Fascinating Facts About Owls
Owls have remarkable adaptations that help explain why they’ve inspired so much curiosity.
1. Owls Can Turn Their Heads Up to 270 Degrees
Owls can’t rotate their heads completely around, despite the popular myth. However, they can turn their heads approximately 270 degrees in either direction.
This flexibility compensates for their relatively fixed eyes, allowing them to scan their surroundings without moving their bodies.
2. An Owl’s Eyes Don’t Move Like Human Eyes
Unlike humans, owls have elongated, tube-shaped eyes that remain largely fixed in their sockets. They must turn their heads to look in different directions. Their specialized eyes are particularly useful for locating prey in low-light conditions.
3. Many Owls Can Fly Almost Silently
As the National Audubon Society explains, specialized wing feathers help reduce turbulence and dampen flight sounds. This allows many owl species to approach prey without being easily detected. It may also help them hear faint sounds while hunting.
4. Not All Owls Are Nocturnal
Although owls are famous for hunting at night, some species are active during daylight hours. Snowy owls and short-eared owls, for example, may hunt during the day. Activity patterns depend partly on habitat, season and prey availability.
5. Some Owls Have Unevenly Positioned Ears
Many owl species have asymmetrically positioned ear openings that help them pinpoint sounds. Their facial feathers also help direct sound toward their ears. And those prominent feather tufts on great horned owls? They’re not ears.
6. Owls Regurgitate Pellets
Owls often swallow small prey whole, including bones and fur they cannot digest.
These materials are compressed into pellets and later regurgitated. Scientists examine owl pellets to learn about the birds’ diets and local food webs.
7. Owls Live on Every Continent Except Antarctica
Owls inhabit forests, deserts, grasslands and Arctic tundra. Different species have adapted to different environments and food sources, helping explain their widespread distribution.
What Is the Difference Between a Parliament and a Flock of Owls?
Both expressions can describe multiple owls, but they serve different purposes.
A flock is a general term for a group of birds. A parliament is the distinctive collective noun traditionally associated with owls.
Neither term implies that the birds have a formal social hierarchy or live together permanently.
Why the Name Parliament of Owls Has Endured
Of all the imaginative collective nouns in English, “a parliament of owls” is especially memorable because it matches the way people perceive these birds. Their large eyes and solemn expressions make them look like thoughtful observers, while their quiet movements add to their mysterious reputation.
Although actual gatherings of owls are relatively uncommon, their unusual collective name has earned a lasting place in the English language.
Related: What Do You Call a Group of Otters?
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