Group calving pens are becoming more common in dairy management practices, especially in larger herds. This is beneficial since less area is required compared with individual calving pens. The latest USDA NAHMS survey of US dairy farms reported that 58.7% of herds have at least some cows calving in a group pen. It is predicted that multiple cows in a maternity pen may be disruptive to the cow in labor and therefore negatively affect parturition. The objective of this research was to describe the behavior of Holstein and Jersey dairy cows in a group maternity pen at the time of calving. Cows were moved to the maternity pen 3 weeks before their due date. A total of 17 cows (n = 9, Jersey and n = 8, Holstein cows) were monitored from the time of calving through the following hour. Holstein and Jersey cows were grouped together but multiparous and primiparous cows were in separate pens. Observations obtained from video recordings included, 1) time of calving, 2) stocking density at the time of calving (# cows / pen), 3) time to first interaction of the community cows with both mother and calf, 4) degree of calving difficulty (assisted vs. no assistance). There was no difference in the proportion of Jersey cows calving in the PM hours compared with Holstein cows (78% vs. 62%, respectively; P = 0.27). The highest stocking density recorded was 15 cows/pen. No correlation was detected between stocking density and time to first interaction with cow or calf (r = 0.34, y = 0.196+9.177; P = 0.33). Only 2 events of dystocia occurred in this sample, one at a low stocking density (4 cows/pen) and one at a high stocking density (14 cows/pen); more data is required to investigate the link between stocking density in maternity pens and dystocia. This research will give insight on whether group pens are disruptive to the calving event and if dairy practices should be changed to allow for less stressful calving for both the mothers and calves.