Why blackbirds swarm

Steinberg works in the geography department, specifically focusing on habitat mapping related to conservation. He wrote the book. The birds all end up gathering in the same area as the sun goes down, a process called "roosting," picking an isolated patch of trees where they'll spend the night. Watch our new video above, and check out Bob Gathany's video from earlier this year below:.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Crows, and especially ravens, often feature in European legends or mythology as portents or harbingers of doom or death, because of their dark plumage, unnerving calls, and tendency to eat carrion. Big black birds have a bad rap, too. In many countries, crows and ravens are the subject of folklore and superstition and are associated with the dark side of life — birds of ill omen.

Also, birds are used as the symbols of Christianity in the Bible. At night, they are almost defenseless, so they gather in large flocks to roost in a spot where they have good visibility and reasonable shelter. Cities offer benefits. There are fewer predators willing to be near people. For all conflicts with crows, making the area where they are unwelcome less attractive to them will help. Trash, food waste in open compost, pet food and food put out for other wild species are all attractive to crows.

The bible has used crows as messengers of God to provide for his people. In Job , God told Job that he cares for his people and all creations. He mentions of feeding the ravens. Both Jesus and the Psalmist refer to the crow in the theme of provision. Crows are now the latest in the small group of animals that are known to recognise, or perhaps even mourn their dead. Elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees and several other corvid species are also known to loiter near recently deceased mates.

According to the mythological narration, Apollo sent a white raven, or crow in some versions to spy on his lover, Coronis. Summary: In literature, crows and ravens are a bad omen and are associated with witches. The term is used most frequently to describe the acrobatics of European Starling flocks, but true blackbirds can fly in murmuration style, as well YouTube has some examples.

In spring and summer, crows are usually seen in family groups of two to eight birds. During late summer, fall, and winter, crows gather from many miles to form communal night roosts. A group of crows is called a murder and people seem to associate these corvids with death and darkness.

But crows are very social creatures and at this time of year they often flock together by the thousands for warmth, safety, and, possibly, convivial conversation. One possible reason is that a flock provides better protection from predators.

An unkindness. At least that is one of the names given to the jet black birds with the dubious reputation. Fights between ravens are pretty common, and generally occur between members of the same sex. At nighttime, he leads them to a nice, well-sheltered stand of trees or shrubs to sleep. Other male robins are also leading their babies to this area, which is called a roost. The young birds get used to sleeping in a big group flock.

The mixed flock consists of true blackbirds red-winged, specifically but also common grackles, brown-headed cowbirds and starlings. You get the very best views of this super flock around the intersection of Route 7 and Churchmans Road -- as long as you time it right. The Churchmans flock is one of about a dozen winter flocks in Delaware, according to Williams.

Each morning the flock splits up and disperses in search of food, including such things as corn stubble or seedy grass. Depending on food availability, the Churchmans flock may travel to Chester County, Pa. Blackbirds only form super flocks in winter, says Williams.