Eagles, arguably the most commonly known birds of prey, are characterized by their impressive aerial dives to capture prey. These majestic creatures possess exceptional eyesight and are able to achieve incredible flying and diving speeds. Although not inherently social, eagles come together in groups for specific reasons.

But what is a group of eagles called? The common names for a group of eagles are aerie, soar, and convocation. Continue reading to learn about the different collective nouns for these birds and more!

What Is A Group Of Eagles Called?

Groups of eagles have different names depending on where they are and what they’re doing. The primary term for a group of eagles is a convocation.

There are a wide variety of eagle species found worldwide, with some primarily being solitary in nature.

Several types of eagles occasionally display sociable behavior and form groups, even outside the breeding season. However, it’s not normal for these birds to reside in large social groups.

For the most part, they are solitary throughout much of the year. The exceptions occur during the breeding season and winter migration period for certain species.

For example, Bald Eagles may roost in the same area if it offers sufficient space or during unfavorable weather conditions. These communal roosts remain somewhat mysterious, although they have been observed in regions like Alaska. Encountering a substantial gathering of eagles is a rare occurrence, not commonly seen in their natural behavior.

In the United States, there are three different eagles – Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and occasionally Steller’s Sea-Eagles.

What Is a Group of Eagles Called? An Aerie, Soar, or Convocation?

A group of eagles can be called a soar, convocation, or flock. These terms are used in different contexts, with soar being the traditional name most closely associated with eagles in flight and convocation referring to a gathering of eagles.

Eagles are generally solitary birds, so seeing a large group together is unusual. However, some species gather during migration, around abundant food sources, or at communal roosts.

So what should you call a group when you see one? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is a Group of Eagles Called?

There are several collective nouns associated with eagles, but the two best-known are soar and convocation.

A soar of eagles refers to a group seen flying or soaring together. The name fits their characteristic use of rising air currents to stay aloft with little effort.

A convocation of eagles refers more generally to a gathering of eagles. The word “convocation” means an assembly or large gathering, making it a fitting name for a group of these birds.

Flock can also be used in the ordinary sense of a group of birds. It isn’t unusual to describe several eagles together as a flock, even though soar and convocation are the more distinctive collective nouns.

Bald Eagles are quite solitary creatures, often just interacting with their mates.

Other names appear in older references and lists of animal collective nouns, including aerie, brood, colony, eyrie, jubilee, nest, spread, stooping, and tower.

These aren’t equally common, and some are better understood as descriptive or traditional terms rather than names you would normally hear in conversation.

Why Is a Group of Eagles Called a Soar?

The name soar comes from one of the most recognizable behaviors of an eagle.

Eagles are excellent at using rising columns of warm air, called thermals, to gain altitude without constantly flapping their wings. When several eagles take advantage of the same conditions, they can appear to circle together high above the ground.

This doesn’t necessarily mean the birds are cooperating as a social group. During migration, for example, several eagles may follow similar routes and use the same thermals simply because doing so makes travel more efficient.

That’s one reason a soar of eagles is such a fitting expression.

Why Do Eagles Gather in Groups?

Most eagles spend much of their time alone or with a mate, particularly during the breeding season. But there are several situations in which they may gather.

Migration

Some eagle species gather during migration, sometimes in impressive numbers.

Birds traveling in the same direction may follow similar routes and take advantage of the same wind currents and thermals. They aren’t necessarily traveling as a coordinated flock, but the result can be a large gathering of eagles in the same area.

Communal Roosting

Eagles may also gather at communal roosts, particularly during winter or in areas where suitable roosting sites are limited.

These gatherings allow birds to share sheltered locations during cold or difficult weather. Bald Eagles are particularly well known for communal roosting in some parts of their range.

Abundant Food

A plentiful food source can bring several eagles together.

When fish, carrion, or another food source is concentrated in one location, individual eagles that would normally keep their distance may temporarily gather in the same area.

You may therefore see several eagles together without them forming a permanent social group.

What Is a Group of Bald Eagles Called?

A group of Bald Eagles can be called a soar, convocation, or flock, just like other eagles.

There are also two unusual collective nouns sometimes associated specifically with Bald Eagles: a come back and a toupee. These are rare and are unlikely to be used by birders in everyday conversation.

Bald Eagles are generally solitary outside of their family relationships, but they can gather in large numbers when food is plentiful or around communal winter roosts.

This is one reason Bald Eagles can sometimes be seen in much larger groups than you might expect from a bird that is otherwise fairly solitary.

When Do Eagles Form Groups?

Eagles are most likely to gather outside the breeding season, particularly during migration or when food and suitable roosting sites are concentrated.

During the breeding season, many eagle species become strongly territorial. A breeding pair will defend its nest and feeding area from other eagles.

After young eagles leave the nest, however, they may remain near their parents for a while before becoming fully independent.

Judging by the size, female is on the left and male is on the right. Photograph © Andy Morffew

Different species also behave differently. Golden Eagles, for example, are generally less tolerant of other eagles, while Bald Eagles can be much more tolerant around communal food sources and roosts. Steller’s Sea-Eagles are another species known to gather in groups at times.

What Is a Group of Baby Eagles Called?

Baby eagles are called eaglets.

There isn’t a widely established collective noun that specifically means “a group of baby eagles.” A group of young eagles can simply be described as a group or brood of eaglets.

The term used for an individual young eagle changes with its development. A newly hatched bird is a nestling, while a young bird that has left the nest but is still dependent on its parents is a fledgling.

Other Names for a Group of Eagles

Several other collective nouns have been associated with eagles:

Some of these names are much less common than soar and convocation, and several are rarely encountered outside lists of collective nouns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do eagles have flocks?

Yes, although eagles are generally solitary birds. They may gather during migration, around food sources, or at communal roosts.

What do you call a flock of eagles?

A group of eagles can be called a soar, convocation, or flock. “Soar” is particularly associated with eagles in flight, while “convocation” describes a gathering.

How many eagles are in a group?

There is no fixed number. A group may contain only a few birds, while migration or abundant food can bring together dozens or even hundreds of eagles in some places.

Are eagles social birds?

Most eagles are not highly social throughout the year. They usually live alone or with a mate, but some species become more sociable during migration, winter roosting, or when food is plentiful.

Conclusion

A group of eagles can be called a soar, convocation, or flock.

Soar is the traditional term associated with eagles flying together, while convocation refers to a gathering of eagles. Flock is also a perfectly natural way to describe several eagles together.

Although eagles are generally solitary birds, they sometimes gather during migration, around abundant food, or at communal roosts. So the next time you spot several eagles circling overhead, you can call them a soar of eagles.