The question of whether “buzzards” inhabit Texas is common, often posed by residents and visitors observing large, dark raptors circling high above the landscape. These birds are frequently seen riding thermal air currents. Texas is home to two prominent species of large, soaring scavenger birds that fulfill an important ecological function throughout much of the region.
Addressing the Name Confusion
The local use of the term “buzzard” in North America is a geographical and historical misnomer, frequently applied to the vultures seen across the continent. This confusion dates back to early European settlers who mistakenly applied the familiar name for the hawks of their homeland to the New World scavengers they encountered. In Europe, the classification of “buzzard” properly refers to medium-sized birds of prey in the genus Buteo, which are a type of hawk that primarily hunts live prey.
The birds soaring over Texas are not true Buteo hawks but are scientifically classified as New World vultures, belonging to the family Cathartidae. These two distinct groups evolved separately to fill comparable environmental roles. The true buzzards of the Old World are not native to Texas, meaning the large, bald-headed birds people observe are accurately identified as vultures.
The Two Vulture Species of Texas
Texas hosts two common and easily distinguishable species of New World vultures: the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). Identification hinges on differences in plumage, head coloration, and unique flight patterns.
The Turkey Vulture is characterized by a distinctive featherless, reddish head in adults, set against dark brownish-black plumage. When soaring, they hold their long wings in a shallow “V” shape, or dihedral, causing them to appear wobbly or to teeter from side to side as they navigate air currents. The undersides of their wings display a two-toned pattern, with dark leading edges contrasting with paler, silvery flight feathers.
The Black Vulture is slightly smaller and possesses an entirely featherless black head, consistent with its wholly black body plumage. Their flight profile is noticeably different, featuring shorter, broader wings and a shorter tail, giving them a more compact appearance in the air. Instead of the Turkey Vulture’s teetering flight, Black Vultures employ a characteristic pattern of several rapid wing flaps followed by a period of short, straight-line gliding.
A key identification feature in flight is the limited white coloration on the Black Vulture, restricted to prominent pale patches near the tips of the primary wing feathers. Unlike the Turkey Vulture, which often soars individually, Black Vultures are often seen soaring in tighter groups. When perched, the dark head and short tail of the Black Vulture make it appear more robust than its counterpart.
Scavengers and Ecosystem Clean-up
These large birds function as obligate scavengers, consuming dead animal matter, or carrion, across the Texas landscape. Their specialized digestive systems neutralize bacteria and toxins found in decaying flesh that could otherwise spread disease to wildlife and livestock. By rapidly removing carcasses, they prevent the proliferation of pathogens in the environment.
The two species utilize different sensory approaches to locate food sources. The Turkey Vulture possesses a keen sense of smell, able to detect the faint odor of ethyl mercaptan, a gas released by animal decay, often locating carcasses hidden beneath brush or forest canopy. Conversely, the Black Vulture relies primarily on its sharp eyesight to locate food, frequently observing the actions of other vultures or following Turkey Vultures to a fresh meal.
Once a carcass is found, Black Vultures often dominate the scene due to their aggressive and social nature, typically displacing the less confrontational Turkey Vultures. While both species primarily consume carrion, Black Vultures are occasionally known to prey on vulnerable live animals, such as newborn livestock. The range of both species covers most of the state, though Black Vultures are most common throughout the eastern two-thirds of Texas.
Both the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture are protected by federal statute under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This protection makes it illegal to harm, capture, or kill these birds, or to disturb their nests, eggs, or young without a specific permit. Their protected status underscores their importance in maintaining ecological balance.