In the United States, many people refer to vultures and buzzards as being the same animal. This is because early European colonists who settled in North America thought that vultures looked like the buzzards from their country. However, these birds of prey are actually two completely different animals.
Vultures encompass two different groups: New World vultures (Cathartidae) and Old World vultures (Accipitridae). They are large scavenger birds with bald, featherless heads that like to feed on carrion (dead animals).
On the other hand, buzzards belong to the genus Buteo, which is a group of medium to large-sized hawks with broad wings. The main difference between buzzards and vultures is that buzzards prefer to hunt living prey instead of eating carrion.
In this article, you will learn:
- What a vulture is
- What a buzzard is
- The main differences between buzzards and vultures
- How to identify vultures and buzzards
What is a Vulture?
Vultures are carnivorous birds that are considered scavengers, as they eat roadkill and decomposing animals. There are two main groups of vultures: New World and Old World vultures. Both of them share common features that make it easy to recognize them as vultures.
These birds live in a variety of habitats and on every continent besides Australia and Antarctica. If you live in the United States, you are probably familiar with turkey vultures, which have dark brown bodies and featherless red heads.
All types of vultures have these characteristics:
- Bald and featherless heads that prevent infection and overheating
- Long and hooked beaks that make it easy to eat meat
- Broad wingspans that help them soar for long periods
- Scavenging diets that consist of carrion or eggs, insects, and garbage
The main difference between New and Old World vultures is that New World variations have a keen sense of smell, while Old World vultures have a better sense of sight. Additionally, New World vultures live in the Americas while Old World vultures live in Africa, Asia, and Europe.[1]
What is a Buzzard?
Buzzards are also carnivorous birds of prey, which might be why people get them confused with vultures. However, these birds belong to the Buteo genus, which means they are medium to large-sized hawks.[2]
Another distinguishing feature of buzzards is that they prefer hunting for living prey, like rodents, other birds, amphibians, and insects. It is important to note that some buzzards will eat carrion, however, this is only a last resort when no living prey is available.
While buzzards are found on every continent except for Antarctica, they are most commonly seen in Europe, Africa, and Asia. There is a type of buzzard known as the black-chested buzzard eagle that is found in South America.
Common characteristics of buzzards include:
- Feathered heads and necks that match the color of their body
- A short and curved beak that allows them to bite and tear the flesh of prey
- Medium-sized tails that make it easy to maneuver while in flight
- Keen sense of sight to assist during hunting from the sky
Why Do People Think Vultures and Buzzards are the Same?
People in North America often refer to vultures as buzzards as a sort of slang term. However, this is not accurate, as buzzards are a type of hawk.
This discrepancy is thought to have begun because of European colonists who settled in North America mistaking vultures for buzzards found in their homeland. Over time, the mistake of calling vultures “buzzards” stuck, causing confusion between the two birds.
The easiest way to distinguish between vultures and buzzards is by looking at their heads and necks. Vultures have no feathers in this area, allowing you to see their bald and wrinkly skin. On the other hand, buzzards are completely feathered on their heads, necks, and bodies.
Vultures vs Buzzards: Identifying the Differences
If you are wondering whether you have just spotted a vulture or a buzzard, there are some easy ways to identify the differences. Vultures are bald on their heads and necks, while buzzards have feathers.
Other ways to distinguish between vultures and buzzards include:
- Beaks – Buzzards have short and curved beaks that are ideal for biting and killing live prey. On the other hand, vultures have long and hooked beaks that are better adapted for tearing the flesh from the carcasses of animals.
- Wings – Buzzards have medium-sized wings that help them glide, while vultures have longer wings intended for soaring.
- Tails – Because vultures have short tails, they are not as noticeable while they are flying. Conversely, buzzards have medium-sized tails that help them maneuver in flight while they are hunting live animals.
- Behavior – Vultures are scavengers that feed on dead animals and they roost, nest, and feed in groups. Buzzards feed on living prey and are either solitary or found in pairs.
If you notice a buzzard, you should not approach them. They might swoop down at you and attack. Additionally, because they hunt live animals, you should never approach one while walking a small dog. On the other hand, vultures will not attack humans or live animals unless they believe you are a threat to their food.
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References:
- National Geographic: Vultures, facts and information
- Bioone.org: The Common Buzzard