The term “buzzard” often leads to confusion, as its meaning varies depending on the region. In North America, “buzzard” commonly refers to vultures, particularly the turkey vulture and black vulture, known for their scavenging habits. In contrast, in Europe and other parts of the world, “buzzard” typically denotes a type of hawk, such as the common buzzard, which is a predatory bird. This article will focus primarily on the North American understanding of buzzards, addressing the common question of whether these birds, largely recognized as scavengers, consume live animals.
The Primary Diet of Buzzards
North American buzzards, specifically vultures, are primarily scavengers, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of carrion, or dead animals. This dietary specialization makes them nature’s clean-up crew, preventing the spread of disease by removing decaying carcasses from the environment.
Turkey vultures possess a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect the gases released by decaying carcasses from considerable distances, even when the carrion is hidden from sight. Black vultures, while having a less acute sense of smell, often rely on their keen eyesight and by observing other vultures descending to locate food. Both species have featherless heads, which helps them stay clean when feeding deep inside carcasses, preventing bacteria and parasites from clinging to feathers. Their long, hooked bills are designed for tearing flesh that is already decomposing.
Despite their primary role as scavengers, these birds can occasionally consume live animals. This behavior, however, is not a regular part of their diet and typically occurs under specific circumstances.
When Buzzards Eat Live Animals
These instances are opportunistic and generally involve prey that is already compromised in some way. Vultures are not adapted for active predation like eagles or hawks, lacking the strong talons and powerful grip necessary to subdue healthy, struggling prey.
They typically target animals that are weak, sick, injured, or very young and unable to defend themselves. For example, black vultures, which are more aggressive than turkey vultures, have been known to attack vulnerable live animals such as newborn calves, lambs, piglets, or small, incapacitated wildlife. Turkey vultures rarely, if ever, attack live animals, with exceptions being extremely rare instances involving very young or dying animals.
Other examples of live prey that buzzards might consume include small, flightless birds, baby turtles, small snakes, large insects, or fish stranded by receding water. These prey items are easy to overcome without powerful hunting adaptations.
Opportunistic Feeding and Hunting Styles
Buzzards (vultures) acquire live animals through opportunistic means rather than active hunting. Their foraging strategies involve soaring high in the sky, using their keen senses to locate potential food sources. Turkey vultures primarily use their exceptional sense of smell to find carcasses, while black vultures often rely on sight and may follow turkey vultures to a find.
When a vulnerable live animal is encountered, their method of consumption differs significantly from true predators. Vultures lack the strong, grasping talons seen in predatory birds like eagles or hawks, making it difficult for them to capture and hold struggling prey. Instead, they use their beaks to peck at and tear into the incapacitated animal.
Their overall behavior reinforces their primary role as scavengers. Vultures will often wait for an animal to die or become completely incapacitated before feeding. The rarity of active predation underscores that their physical characteristics and behaviors are optimized for consuming carrion, contributing significantly to ecosystem health by cleaning up deceased animals.