“Buzzard” is a term often used in North America to refer to vultures, specifically the Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture. These birds are widespread across various landscapes, from open fields to suburban areas, and play a significant ecological role. They function as natural clean-up crews, consuming animal carcasses that would otherwise decompose and potentially spread diseases. Understanding their natural behaviors and habits can help clarify their safety.
Understanding Their Behavior
Buzzards primarily feed on carrion. Turkey Vultures possess an exceptional sense of smell, allowing them to locate carcasses from considerable distances. Black Vultures also rely on their eyesight to find food, often following Turkey Vultures to a meal. They exhibit a non-aggressive nature and avoid confrontation with humans or healthy, living animals.
These birds lack the strong talons seen in predatory birds like eagles and hawks. Instead, their feet are better suited for walking, and they utilize their hooked bills to tear flesh from carcasses. While Turkey Vultures rarely prey on live animals, Black Vultures might occasionally target very sick, dying, or newborn livestock. When threatened or cornered, a buzzard may resort to defensive behaviors such as hissing, puffing its feathers, or regurgitating its stomach contents to deter a threat.
During nesting season, buzzards can become more protective of their nesting areas. If humans or other animals unknowingly approach a nest, the adult birds might exhibit defensive dives or warning calls. Physical contact is rare, but such displays are intended to encourage potential threats to leave the vicinity of their young.
Health and Disease Considerations
Buzzards consume decaying carcasses, exposing them to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Despite this, research indicates that the risk of disease transmission to humans through casual contact with buzzards is low. Their highly acidic stomach environments, with a pH close to zero, effectively neutralize many pathogens found in their diet. This internal mechanism helps prevent the spread of diseases from the carcasses they consume.
Buzzards contribute to public health by removing decaying organic material from the environment, limiting the spread of infectious diseases. Without these scavengers, carcasses could accumulate, leading to increased propagation of pathogens. While direct handling of a buzzard or significant exposure to large quantities of their droppings could pose a minor risk, general proximity does not. After any potential contact with areas where buzzards roost, wash hands thoroughly.
Living Alongside Buzzards
If buzzards are present in your area, avoid approaching or attempting to feed them. These birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, meaning it is illegal to harm or kill them. Focus on non-confrontational strategies if they become a nuisance, particularly if they are roosting on or near your property.
To deter buzzards, consider these strategies:
Address any potential food sources, such as securing trash containers and promptly disposing of animal carcasses.
Use hazing techniques like loud noises, spraying water, or deploying shiny objects such as old CDs or reflective tape.
Install physical deterrents like bird spikes, netting, or taut wires to prevent perching on structures.
Place effigies of dead black vultures or predator decoys, like owls, in roosting areas to encourage relocation.
Clean up any existing droppings beforehand, as their scent can attract more birds.