The terms “buzzard” and “vulture” often cause confusion due to regional naming differences. Understanding how these names are used globally helps clarify the distinctions.
The Core Distinction: It Depends on Where You Are
Confusion primarily stems from geographical usage. In Europe, Africa, and Asia, “buzzard” refers to a specific type of hawk, a bird of prey that actively hunts. However, in North America, the term “buzzard” is commonly used as a colloquial name for vultures, particularly the Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture. Early European settlers applied a familiar term from their homeland to these different North American species.
Old World Buzzards: True Hawks
In the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa), a “buzzard” is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the Buteo genus, part of the Accipitridae family, which also includes eagles and kites. These birds are active predators, typically hunting small mammals like rodents and rabbits, as well as other birds, reptiles, and large insects. Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo), for example, often hunt by perching and then swooping down, or by soaring low over open ground to spot prey. They possess broad wings and relatively short tails, enabling them to soar efficiently while searching for food.
Vultures: The Scavengers of the World
Vultures are large, carrion-eating birds that play an ecological role by consuming dead animals and helping prevent disease spread. There are two distinct groups: Old World Vultures and New World Vultures. Old World Vultures, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, are evolutionarily related to hawks and eagles (family Accipitridae), but independently evolved their scavenging lifestyle. New World Vultures, found in the Americas, belong to a separate evolutionary lineage (family Cathartidae) and are more distantly related, with some research suggesting a shared ancestry with storks.
Both types of vultures share adaptations for scavenging, such as featherless heads and necks, which help them stay clean while feeding on carcasses. Their strong, hooked beaks are suited for tearing flesh. New World Vultures, like the Turkey Vulture, have a keen sense of smell, detecting decaying flesh from significant distances, even under dense forest canopies. Black Vultures, another New World species, often rely on their excellent eyesight or follow Turkey Vultures to locate carcasses.
Unpacking the Differences and Similarities
The main distinction between true buzzards (hawks) and vultures lies in their diets and hunting strategies. Buzzards are predators that hunt live prey using strong talons and sharp vision. In contrast, vultures are primarily scavengers, consuming carrion, and have weaker feet less suited for seizing live prey.
Physical characteristics also differ; buzzards have fully feathered heads, while most vultures have bare heads and necks, an adaptation to prevent feathers from becoming soiled during feeding. Vultures, especially New World species, often hold their broad wings in a distinct V-shape (dihedral) while soaring and may exhibit a characteristic wobbling flight. Hawks, including buzzards, generally fly with flatter wings and more deliberate flapping. Despite these differences, both groups are adept at soaring, using thermal updrafts to conserve energy while searching for food.