While often used interchangeably, “vulture” and “buzzard” refer to distinct types of birds. This common misconception stems from historical naming conventions and regional differences. Although both are large, soaring birds, their biological classifications, behaviors, and physical characteristics set them apart.
What Defines a Vulture
Vultures are primarily scavengers, consuming carrion or dead animals. There are 23 species worldwide, divided into New World and Old World vultures. New World vultures, found in the Americas, belong to the family Cathartidae. Old World vultures, inhabiting Europe, Africa, and Asia, are part of the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles and hawks.
These birds exhibit specific physical adaptations for scavenging. Many vultures possess bald or minimally feathered heads, which helps keep them clean when feeding inside carcasses. Their strong, hooked beaks are suited for tearing flesh, but their feet have a weaker grip with blunt talons, as they do not capture live prey. New World vultures, such as the Turkey Vulture, often have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to locate decaying animals from a distance, while Old World vultures rely primarily on keen eyesight.
What Defines a Buzzard
Outside North America, “buzzard” typically refers to a type of hawk, specifically those in the genus Buteo. These birds are members of the family Accipitridae, the same family as Old World vultures, eagles, and kites. European Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Unlike vultures, buzzards are predatory hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. While they may occasionally consume carrion, their primary method of obtaining food involves active hunting. Buzzards have fully feathered heads, strong talons for grasping prey, and broad wings that allow them to soar gracefully while searching for live animals. Their flight patterns involve soaring on thermal currents, similar to vultures, but their objective is to spot potential prey below.
Why the Confusion Exists: Clarifying Vultures and Buzzards
The confusion between vultures and buzzards largely arises from historical naming practices and regional linguistic differences. When early European settlers arrived in North America, they observed large, soaring birds that resembled the “buzzards” they knew from Europe. They applied this familiar name to the local vultures, leading to common names like “turkey buzzard” for what is actually the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). This misnomer persists in some parts of North America, where “buzzard” colloquially refers to vultures.
Biologically, the distinction is clear. Vultures are specialized scavengers, with adaptations like bald heads and strong stomach acids geared towards consuming decaying flesh. In contrast, buzzards (Buteo hawks) are primarily hunters with feathered heads and powerful talons, preying on live animals. Despite superficial similarities in soaring flight, their ecological roles are distinct: vultures are nature’s clean-up crew, while buzzards are predators maintaining populations of smaller animals.