Welcome to an exciting journey into the world of magpies and the special words we use to describe groups of these intelligent birds. Magpies are known for their striking black and white feathers and their sharp intelligence. But when they gather together what do we call them Let us dive in and discover the collective nouns used to describe these fascinating birds.
Collective Noun for Magpies
Noun | Collective Noun | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|---|
Magpies | Tiding | A group | A tiding of magpies gathering at dawn. |
Magpies | Gulp | A large number | A gulp of magpies swooping for food. |
Magpies | Murder | Traditionally for crows, but used for magpies too | A murder of magpies causing a ruckus. |
Magpies | Charm | A group characterized by their pleasing behavior | A charm of magpies playing in the yard. |
Magpies | Parliament | A group with a connotation of wisdom | A parliament of magpies deliberating in the trees. |
Detailed Explanations and Examples for Magpies
1. Tiding of Magpies
Explanation: Tiding suggests a small, intimate gathering, often implying the sharing of news or stories among the group.
Examples:
- In the early morning light, a tiding of magpies could be seen sharing the day’s first meal.
- Children were delighted to watch a tiding of magpies chattering away in their backyard.
- A tiding of magpies took over the park bench, each bird vying for a spot.
2. Gulp of Magpies
Explanation: Gulp evokes the image of a large, perhaps somewhat overwhelming, number of magpies, often seen when food is abundant.
Examples:
- A gulp of magpies descended on the garden, attracted by the freshly turned soil.
- During the picnic, a gulp of magpies watched from above, waiting for a chance to swoop down for crumbs.
- A gulp of magpies gathered around the pond, their reflections dotting the water’s surface.
3. Murder of Magpies
Explanation: While more commonly associated with crows, murder can also describe a group of magpies, often lending a mysterious or ominous air to the gathering.
Examples:
- A murder of magpies took flight suddenly, their black and white feathers flashing against the sky.
- The quiet of the forest was broken by the raucous calls of a murder of magpies.
- As Halloween approached, a murder of magpies perched atop the old, gnarled tree became a spooky sight.
4. Charm of Magpies
Explanation: Charm reflects the enchanting, often endearing behavior of a group of magpies, highlighting their playful and curious nature.
Examples:
- A charm of magpies investigated the garden, hopping from branch to branch.
- Visitors to the park were often greeted by a charm of magpies, each bird showing off its clever tricks.
- A charm of magpies gathered around the fountain, their antics bringing smiles to all who passed by.
5. Parliament of Magpies
Explanation: Parliament suggests a gathering marked by deliberation and wisdom, echoing the folklore that magpies are intelligent and communicative creatures.
Examples:
- A parliament of magpies seemed to hold court in the old oak tree, their calls echoing through the branches.
- Observers could swear they saw a parliament of magpies solving problems together, working in unison to access food.
- In the fading light, a parliament of magpies settled into the treetops, their silhouettes like sentinels of the night.
Conclusion
Joining the marvels of the natural world we have embarked on a fascinating exploration of the collective nouns for magpies. These terms not only enrich our vocabulary but also deepen our appreciation for the intriguing social behaviors of these birds. Whether it’s a tiding sharing the morning’s news, a gulp foraging for food, or a parliament deliberating in the treetops, magpies continue to captivate and charm us with their wit and beauty.
Quiz Time!
1. What do you call a group of magpies that seems to be sharing stories or news?
- A) Gulp
- B) Tiding
- C) Murder
- D) Charm
2. Which collective noun gives a sense of mystery or ominous presence when describing magpies?
- A) Tiding
- B) Gulp
- C) Murder
- D) Parliament
3. What term is used to describe a large number of magpies, often seen when food is abundant?
- A) Charm
- B) Murder
- C) Gulp
- D) Parliament
4. Which collective noun highlights the playful and curious nature of magpies?
- A) Tiding
- B) Murder
- C) Charm
- D) Gulp
5. What collective noun is used to imply a gathering of magpies marked by wisdom?
- A) Parliament
- B) Tiding
- C) Charm
- D) Gulp
Answers to the Quiz
- B) Tiding
- C) Murder
- C) Gulp
- C) Charm
- A) Parliament