B737-800
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Upon departure from ZZZ at approximately 50 ft. we encountered a flock of birds that damaged the nose and multiple other spots on the aircraft. All indications were normal. After discussion with Dispatch and MX; we elected to continue. After about five minutes the Flight Attendants called reporting a smoky odor in the cabin. We chose a gate return as the safest course of action. We landed uneventfully. Upon arrival; the USDA bird guy informed us that we hit 11-12 birds.
Immediately after takeoff and 'landing gear up' call by PF; the aircraft struck a flock of birds. All systems indications were normal while we assessed any other damage and continued on the SID. We elected to level at 3;000 ft. while further assessed the situation and gathered information from the Cabin Crew. No abnormalities were noted at that point and after conferring with Dispatch and Maintenance Control; we decided to continue. In a follow up with the Cabin Crew shortly thereafter; we decided to make an air return to ZZZ as the Flight Attendants noted odor in the cabin. We reversed course and landed in ZZZ without further incident.
B737-800 fight crew reported the flight attendants notified them of a smoky odor in the cabin following an encounter with a flock of birds during takeoff.  The flight crew elected to return to the departure airport.