The common name “buzzard” refers to a medium-to-large bird known for its broad wings and ability to soar. These birds can be predators that actively hunt or scavengers that primarily consume dead animals. Identifying a buzzard presents a challenge because its appearance varies widely depending on the observer’s location.
The Buzzard Identity Crisis
The term “buzzard” carries two distinct meanings. In Europe and parts of Asia, the name refers to birds belonging to the genus Buteo, which are broad-winged hawks and true raptors. Examples include the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), which actively hunts small mammals and other prey.
In North America, “buzzard” is the common colloquial term for vultures, specifically the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). These American birds are specialized scavengers belonging to a different family and are not closely related to Buteo hawks. The resemblance between the two groups is a result of convergent evolution.
Physical Features of the Hawk-Type Buzzard
The hawk-type buzzard, or Buteo, is a robust, medium-sized bird of prey. When perched, these birds display broad, rounded wings and a comparatively short, rounded tail. They have a fully feathered head and neck, which distinguishes them from their American namesake.
Their plumage is highly variable, often ranging from dark brown to lighter shades of cream, rufous, or white. Some feature a distinct “necklace” of lighter feathers beneath the breast. These raptors possess a sharp, hooked beak and large, powerful feet equipped with sharp talons designed for seizing live prey. A typical Common Buzzard has a wingspan ranging between 109 and 140 centimeters.
Physical Features of the Vulture-Type Buzzard
The American vulture, often locally called a buzzard, is built primarily for scavenging. The most distinguishing characteristic is the unfeathered head, which helps the bird stay clean while feeding on decaying matter. Adult Turkey Vultures have a small, red, bald head, while Black Vultures have a grayish-black, featherless head.
Vultures have a long, hooked beak suitable for tearing through tough hides and flesh. Their feet are less powerful than those of the Buteo hawk, and their talons are relatively blunt since they do not grasp live prey. The Turkey Vulture’s plumage is dark brown, while the Black Vulture is nearly all black.
Distinguishing Buzzards by Flight
Observing a bird’s flight pattern helps distinguish between hawk-type and vulture-type buzzards. Hawk-type buzzards, such as the Common Buzzard, typically soar on wings held relatively flat, flapping them with moderate frequency. Their flight appears strong and purposeful, often utilizing thermals to maintain altitude while looking for ground prey.
In contrast, the Turkey Vulture is known for its distinctive, unstable flight, holding its long wings in a shallow “dihedral” or V-shape. This posture often causes the bird to wobble or teeter as it catches air currents. The Black Vulture holds its wings flatter than the Turkey Vulture but flaps them more frequently and rapidly than the hawks.
When seen from below, the Turkey Vulture’s underwing flight feathers appear silvery-gray in contrast to the darker wing linings. The Black Vulture shows white patches only at the tips of its primary feathers.