What Is a Group of Falcons Called? Falcons Gather as a Cast, Not a Flock

Falcons are swift, sharp‑taloned raptors renowned for their speed and precision. When several of these birds appear together, the question often arises: what do we call that gathering?

A Group of Falcons Is Called a Cast

In falconry and ornithological literature, a collection of falcons is officially termed a cast. The word originates from the falconry practice of training and releasing birds in small groups—often pairs or trios—where the term “cast” was adopted to describe these controlled ensembles.

Wild falcons rarely form large, cohesive flocks. Instead, they are typically solitary hunters, though they may temporarily assemble during migration, when hunting opportunities are abundant, or in the presence of a plentiful prey source.

Unlike the term flock, which applies to many other bird species, cast reflects the hunting strategy and historical relationship between falcons and humans.

Falcons and Their Bird Relatives

Falcons belong to the broader family of raptors—birds of prey that also include hawks, eagles, and owls. Collective nouns vary across species, often revealing insights into their behavior:

• 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

Other whimsical terms include a raft of ducks, a brood of hens, and a stand or flamboyance of flamingos.

Collective Nouns Across the Avian World

Each bird species often has a unique collective noun, many of which trace back centuries of linguistic tradition. For instance, starlings form a murmuration, while ravens gather in a conspiracy or an unkindness. Lesser‑known group names include:

• A colony of gulls
• A bevy of doves
• A cast of hawks (used interchangeably with falcons)
• A siege of herons

These designations underscore both the social dynamics and the enigmatic nature of these birds.

Falcons in the Sky

Although falcons usually hunt alone, brief assemblies can occur, especially near cliffs or open plains where prey is abundant. The Peregrine Falcon, one of the fastest creatures on Earth, exemplifies this solitary behavior yet may appear in small casts during peak hunting seasons.

Falcons are apex aerial predators, celebrated for their exceptional speed, acute vision, and silent flight.

This article was crafted with AI assistance and subsequently reviewed and fact‑checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.