Buzzard

This article is about the type of bird. For the Russian ship class, see Sovremenny class destroyer.

Common buzzard

A buzzard is one of several large birds, but there are a number of meanings as detailed below.

Old World [edit]

In the Old World Buzzard can mean:

One of several medium-sized, wide-ranging raptors with a robust body and broad wings.

In particular, those in the genus Buteo. In the Old World, members of this genus are named as "buzzards", but "hawk" is more common in North America.
Specifically, in Europe, the Common Buzzard, Buteo buteo, where Buzzard is often used as a synonym.
Any raptor which has the word buzzard as part of its name.

In the New World Buzzard can mean:

A vulture, particularly the American Black Vulture and Turkey Vulture, or as a general term for vultures.
In parts of the United States where they are considered pest, particularly in rural areas, a derogatory term for certain birds of prey, such as the Chickenhawk (a common colloquial name referring to either the Cooper's Hawk, the Sharp-shinned Hawk or the Red-tailed Hawk), or the Duck hawk (known elsewhere as the Peregrine Falcon).

Black Honey Buzzard (Henicopernis infuscatus)
Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon)
Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus)
Grasshopper Buzzard (Butastur rufipennis)
White-eyed Buzzard (Butastur teesa)
Rufous-winged Buzzard (Butastur liventer)
Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus)
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
The honey-buzzards, genus Pernis, superficially resemble Buteo buzzards, hence the name, but are specialist feeders on wasp nests and larvae.
- European or Eurasian Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
- Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
- Barred Honey Buzzard (Pernis celebensis)