The terms “buzzard” and “hawk” frequently cause confusion, with their meanings shifting depending on geographical location. While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, these terms refer to distinct groups of birds from a scientific standpoint. Understanding their proper classifications clarifies the relationships between these fascinating birds of prey.
Understanding “Buzzard” Across Continents
In North America, “buzzard” commonly refers to vultures, specifically the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). These birds belong to the family Cathartidae, known as New World vultures. They are primarily scavengers, cleaning up carrion, which they often locate using a keen sense of smell, a rare trait among birds.
Conversely, in Europe and Asia, “buzzard” designates a group of medium-sized raptors within the genus Buteo. These “true buzzards,” such as the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), are predatory birds belonging to the Accipitridae family. Unlike their North American namesakes, European buzzards actively hunt and consume live prey, including small mammals and other birds.
Defining “Hawk”
The term “hawk” serves as a general descriptor for various medium-sized diurnal, or daytime, birds of prey. Most birds broadly categorized as “hawks” fall under the Accipitridae family. This diverse family also encompasses other raptors like eagles, kites, and what are known as true buzzards in Europe.
Hawks exhibit several characteristic features that enable their predatory lifestyle. They possess sharp talons and hooked beaks, which are adapted for seizing and tearing flesh from their prey. Their exceptional eyesight allows them to spot prey from considerable distances. Common examples of hawks found globally include accipiters, known for their short, broad wings and long tails, and buteos, recognized by their broad wings and robust bodies, such as the Red-tailed Hawk.
The Scientific Relationship and Key Differences
Scientifically, the relationship between “buzzards” and “hawks” is clearer than the common names suggest. European “buzzards” from the genus Buteo are indeed a type of hawk. They are classified within the Buteoninae subfamily of the Accipitridae family, making them closely related to many birds commonly called “hawks” in North America, like the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). This means the Common Buzzard of Europe and the Red-tailed Hawk of North America share a common ancestry within the Buteo genus.
In stark contrast, the North American birds colloquially termed “buzzards,” which are vultures, are not hawks. These New World vultures belong to the distinct Cathartidae family and are only distantly related to hawks and eagles. Their similar appearance to Old World vultures and some raptors is a result of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to adapting to comparable ecological roles.
Key distinctions between true buzzards/hawks and vultures are evident in their physical characteristics and behaviors:
- Vultures often have featherless heads, an adaptation for feeding on decaying carcasses, while hawks have fully feathered heads.
- Vultures have weaker feet and blunt talons, as they do not grasp live prey; hawks have strong feet with sharp talons for capturing quarry.
- In flight, vultures often hold their wings in a slight V-shape and may teeter, whereas hawks typically hold wings flatter and exhibit more stable patterns.
- Vultures primarily consume carrion, using their developed sense of smell; hawks rely on keen eyesight to actively hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles.