Buzzard facts for kids
A buzzard is a type of bird of prey, known for its strong body and broad wings. When scientists talk about buzzards, they usually mean birds from the genus Buteo. But in everyday conversations, the word 'buzzard' can mean different large birds, depending on where you are in the world.
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What is a Buzzard? (Old World)
In the Old World (which means places like Europe, Asia, and Africa), the word 'buzzard' usually refers to a specific group of birds. These are medium-sized raptors with strong bodies and wide wings.
- Most often, it means birds from the Buteo genus. For example, in Europe, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is the bird most people simply call a 'buzzard'.
- Sometimes, 'buzzard' can also be part of the name for other birds of prey, even if they aren't from the Buteo group.
What is a Buzzard? (New World)
In the New World (which means North and South America), the word 'buzzard' is used differently.
- Most of the time, 'buzzard' is used to describe a vulture. This includes birds like the American black vulture and the turkey vulture. These birds are known for eating dead animals.
- In some parts of the United States, 'buzzard' might be used in a less friendly way for certain hawks or falcons. This can include birds like the Cooper's hawk, the sharp-shinned hawk, the red-tailed hawk, or the Peregrine falcon.
Buteo Buzzards: The Scientific View
When scientists use the term 'buzzard', they are usually talking about birds in the Buteo genus. These birds are found all over the world. Here are some examples of Buteo species that are scientifically considered buzzards:
- Common buzzard (Buteo buteo)
- Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus)
- Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis)
- Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)
- Broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus)
- Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
- Galápagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis)
- Jackal buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
Other Birds Called "Buzzard"
Some other birds also have 'buzzard' in their name, even though they are not part of the Buteo genus.
- The Lizard buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus) is one example.
- There are also birds called 'honey-buzzards', like the European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus). These birds look a bit like Buteo buzzards, but they have a special diet. They mostly eat wasp nests and their young (larvae).
