Buzzard vs. Vulture — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
A buzzard is a bird of prey from the genus Buteo, while a vulture is a scavenging bird of prey that feeds primarily on carrion.
Difference Between Buzzard and Vulture
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Buzzards and vultures are fascinating raptors that occupy different niches in the avian world. A buzzard is typically a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the genus Buteo. These birds have broad wings and robust bodies, making them efficient hunters of small mammals and other creatures. On the other hand, vultures are predominantly scavengers, relishing in the role of nature's clean-up crew by consuming carrion.
While buzzards are known for their hunting prowess, often seen soaring or perched waiting for prey, vultures have a unique dietary preference, feeding mainly on dead animals. This scavenging behavior gives vultures a vital ecological role, helping in the decomposition process and reducing the spread of diseases.
Vultures have certain adaptions that suit their scavenging lifestyle. Their bald heads, for example, prevent feathers from becoming soiled when feeding inside carcasses. Buzzards, on the other hand, exhibit a variety of plumage patterns but do not have such specific adaptations as they are primarily hunters.
Interestingly, in some parts of the world, particularly in Europe, the term "buzzard" specifically refers to the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). However, in North America, buzzard can colloquially refer to certain vulture species, leading to some confusion. Despite this regional terminology difference, it's essential to recognize the distinct roles each bird plays in the ecosystem.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Bird of prey from the genus Buteo.
Scavenging bird of prey feeding mainly on carrion.
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Diet
Hunts live prey, like small mammals.
Primarily consumes dead animals.
Physical Feature
Broad wings and varied plumage patterns.
Bald head and strong beak adapted for tearing flesh.
Ecological Role
Hunter, controlling population of small creatures.
Scavenger, aiding in decomposition and disease control.
Regional Terminology
In Europe: common buzzard. In the US: can refer to vultures.
Universally recognized as birds that feed on carrion.
Compare with Definitions
Buzzard
A medium-sized bird of prey from the genus Buteo.
The buzzard circled the open field looking for its next meal.
Vulture
Recognized by a bald head and strong beak.
The vulture's bald head glistened under the sun as it dined.
Buzzard
A raptor with broad wings and robust bodies.
The buzzard's wide wings allow it to soar effortlessly.
Vulture
A scavenging bird of prey feeding primarily on dead animals.
The vulture patiently waited for the predators to leave the carcass.
Buzzard
Often seen soaring or perched, scouting for prey.
Perched on a branch, the buzzard had a clear view of the grasslands.
Vulture
Has a crucial ecological role in reducing disease spread.
Vultures help in disease control by consuming dead and decaying matter.
Buzzard
In Europe, refers specifically to the common buzzard.
In his travels across Europe, he often spotted the common buzzard.
Vulture
An essential participant in nature's clean-up crew.
Vultures play a vital role in maintaining the balance in the ecosystem.
Buzzard
Buzzard is the common name of several species of bird.
Vulture
A vulture is a bird of prey that scavenges on carrion. There are 23 extant species of vulture (including Condors).
Buzzard
Any of various North American vultures, such as the turkey vulture.
Vulture
Any of various large birds of prey characteristically having dark plumage and a featherless head and neck and generally feeding on carrion. Species found in the Americas are in the family Cathartidae, and those found in Eurasia and Africa are in the family Accipitridae.
Buzzard
Chiefly British A hawk of the genus Buteo, having broad wings and a broad tail.
Vulture
A person of a rapacious, predatory, or profiteering nature.
Buzzard
An avaricious or otherwise unpleasant person.
Vulture
Any of several carrion-eating birds of the families Accipitridae and Cathartidae.
Buzzard
Any of several Old World birds of prey of the genus Buteo with broad wings and a broad tail.
Vulture
A person who profits from the suffering of others.
Within ten minutes of the accident, the vultures appeared and were organizing lawsuits.
Buzzard
(North America) Any scavenging bird, such as the American black vulture (Coragyps atratus) or the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).
Vulture
To circle around one's target as if one were a vulture.
Rudy vultured when asking the girl out.
Buzzard
In North America, a curmudgeonly or cantankerous man; an old person; a mean, greedy person.
Vulture
(obsolete) ravenous; rapacious
Buzzard
(archaic) A blockhead; a dunce.
Vulture
Any one of numerous species of rapacious birds belonging to Vultur, Cathartes, Catharista, and various other genera of the family Vulturidæ.
Buzzard
(golf) double bogey
Vulture
Any of various large diurnal birds of prey having naked heads and weak claws and feeding chiefly on carrion
Buzzard
A bird of prey of the Hawk family, belonging to the genus Buteo and related genera.
Vulture
Someone who attacks in search of booty
Buzzard
In the United States, a term used for the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and sometimes indiscriminately to any vulture.
Vulture
Often seen circling in the sky, searching for carrion.
A group of vultures circling was a clear indication of a nearby carcass.
Buzzard
A blockhead; a dunce.
It is common, to a proverb, to call one who can not be taught, or who continues obstinately ignorant, a buzzard.
Buzzard
Senseless; stupid.
Buzzard
Common in South America and Central America and southern United States
Buzzard
The common European short-winged hawk
Buzzard
A hunter of small mammals and other creatures.
The mouse remained still, aware of the buzzard overhead.
Common Curiosities
Are buzzards and vultures both birds of prey?
Yes, both are raptors, but buzzards hunt live prey while vultures are scavengers.
Do buzzards feed on carrion like vultures?
Buzzards primarily hunt live prey but may occasionally feed on carrion.
Is a buzzard the same as a hawk?
While buzzards belong to the genus Buteo and are often called hawks, they are specific types of hawks.
Are vultures found worldwide?
Yes, vultures are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.
Are vultures endangered?
Some vulture species are endangered due to habitat loss, poisoning, and other threats.
Do buzzards have a specific region where they are common?
Buzzards, especially the common buzzard, are widespread in Europe and parts of Asia.
Why is there confusion between the terms buzzard and vulture in the US?
In the US, "buzzard" can colloquially refer to certain vulture species, leading to confusion.
Why do vultures have bald heads?
A bald head prevents feathers from becoming soiled when feeding inside carcasses.
How do buzzards hunt for their prey?
Buzzards often soar or perch to spot prey and then swoop down to catch it.
Are vultures considered good or bad omens in cultures?
Vultures are viewed differently across cultures; some see them as symbols of death, while others appreciate their ecological role.
Can buzzards and vultures coexist in the same habitat?
Yes, they can coexist as they have different ecological roles – one as a hunter and the other as a scavenger.
Do vultures have a strong sense of smell?
Some vulture species, like the turkey vulture, have an acute sense of smell to locate carrion.
Can buzzards and vultures be domesticated?
While they can be kept in captivity for rehabilitation or education, they aren't domesticated like pets.
Are vultures social birds?
Many vulture species are social and can be seen feeding or roosting in groups.
Is the term "buzzard" used universally for the same bird type?
No, the term varies. In Europe, it refers to the common buzzard, while in the US, it can refer to vultures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
