A group of ravens is called an "unkindness," but there are several other collective nouns used as well, including a "conspiracy," a "treachery," a "rave," and more generically, a "flock" of ravens
. The term "unkindness of ravens" originated in the 19th century and likely stems from misunderstandings about raven behavior and their association with bad luck and trickery in mythology
. Despite these negative connotations, ravens are intelligent, social birds that form complex social structures and can work together cooperatively
. In summary, the most distinctive and traditional collective nouns for a group of ravens are:
- An unkindness of ravens
- A conspiracy of ravens
- A treachery of ravens
- A rave of ravens
- A flock of ravens (common, neutral term)
