The term ‘buzzard’ refers to different birds depending on location. In North America, it commonly means vultures like the Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture. In Europe and other Old World regions, ‘buzzard’ designates a type of hawk, specifically species within the Buteo genus, such as the Common Buzzard. These birds are known for their distinct feeding habits and ecological roles.
Primary Food Sources
Vultures, including Turkey and Black Vultures, are primarily scavengers, consuming carrion. They feed on carcasses in various stages of decay. Their diet includes a wide range of dead animals, from small mammals and birds to larger ungulates like deer and cows, as well as reptiles and fish. While vultures are largely carrion feeders and typically do not hunt, Black Vultures occasionally take live, vulnerable prey such as very sick, injured, or newborn animals, including calves, lambs, or piglets. Turkey Vultures rarely kill, usually only targeting extremely weak individuals. Beyond animal remains, these vultures may also consume plant matter like fruits and vegetables, or human refuse found in garbage dumps.
European buzzards, or Common Buzzards, are opportunistic predators with a diet mainly composed of small mammals. Voles, mice, and rabbits are frequently consumed, with rabbits sometimes making up a substantial portion of their diet. Their prey spectrum also extends to birds, including crows, pigeons, and nestlings, as well as reptiles like lizards and snakes, amphibians such as frogs, and a variety of large insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and earthworms. They also opportunistically feed on carrion, especially in winter when live prey is scarce.
Foraging Strategies
The ability of these birds to locate food relies on specialized sensory adaptations. Turkey Vultures possess a highly developed sense of smell, enabling them to detect the gases produced by decaying animals, even those hidden beneath dense forest canopies. In contrast, Black Vultures have a less acute sense of smell and often rely on their keen eyesight or by following Turkey Vultures to a food source. Both vultures and European buzzards utilize their sharp vision to spot potential meals from considerable heights.
Flight dynamics play a significant role in their foraging efficiency. Both vultures and European buzzards skillfully use thermals to soar effortlessly, conserving energy while searching for food. This allows them to cover extensive areas with minimal wing flapping, making their search energy-efficient. Black Vultures often exhibit social foraging behavior, gathering in groups and sometimes following other scavengers to carcasses. They can be quite aggressive at feeding sites, frequently displacing other birds, including Turkey Vultures, to gain access to food.
Common Buzzards employ various hunting techniques tailored to their prey and habitat. They frequently hunt from a stationary perch, such as a tree branch or fence post, patiently scanning the ground for movement before swooping down to capture prey. They also hunt from low flight or by soaring. In certain conditions, particularly after heavy rainfall, they may be observed walking across fields to catch earthworms that have surfaced.
Ecological Role
These birds fulfill a significant ecological function. Vultures are often referred to as nature’s clean-up crew because they primarily consume decaying carcasses, which helps prevent the spread of diseases. Their digestive systems are uniquely adapted to neutralize harmful bacteria and toxins found in rotting meat. By removing dead animals from the environment, they contribute to nutrient recycling and the overall health of ecosystems.
Common Buzzards, as predators, contribute to maintaining the balance of prey populations within their habitats. Their consumption of small mammals, particularly rodents and rabbits, helps regulate these populations. Their diet varies with prey availability by area and season. This adaptability allows them to persist across various landscapes and contribute to natural food webs.