Buzzard vs. Vulture: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 2, 2023
A buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey with a broad wingspan and rounded tail, often feeding on small mammals and carrion, while a vulture is a large scavenging bird, primarily feeding on carrion.
Key Differences
Buzzards and vultures, though both raptors, are distinguished by their feeding habits, appearance, and habitat. Buzzards are generally medium-sized birds of prey, with broad wings and a rounded tail. They often feed on small mammals, birds, and carrion. Vultures, on the other hand, are primarily scavengers and feed mostly on carrion, seldom hunting live prey.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Differences in their physical appearance are also notable. Buzzards tend to have a more robust build and can often be seen with a variety of plumage colors and patterns. Vultures, conversely, are known for their bald heads, which are adapted to their scavenging habits, preventing feathers from becoming soiled when feeding on carcasses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Habitats of buzzards and vultures also vary. While buzzards are commonly found in a variety of settings including woodlands, open fields, and hills, vultures prefer open landscapes, such as savannas, grasslands, and deserts, where they can easily spot carcasses from the sky.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Geographical distribution provides another distinction. Buzzards are predominantly found in Europe and Asia, with some species in North America. Vultures, meanwhile, have a wider distribution, with species found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
In terms of behavior, vultures often display social feeding habits, gathering in groups around a carcass. Buzzards, while they can be seen soaring in the sky searching for food, are more solitary when it comes to feeding.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Feeding Habits
Hunts small mammals, birds, and feeds on carrion.
Primarily scavenges on carrion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Physical Appearance
Medium-sized, broad wings, rounded tail, varied plumage.
Larger, bald heads, less varied plumage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Habitat
Woodlands, open fields, hills.
Open landscapes: savannas, grasslands, deserts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Geographical Distribution
Predominantly Europe and Asia, some in North America.
Wider distribution across continents.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
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Buzzard and Vulture Definitions
Buzzard
A medium-sized bird of prey with broad wings.
The buzzard soared gracefully above the open fields.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Vulture
A bird with strong acidic digestive juices to feed on rotting meat.
The vulture's stomach can handle meat that would be toxic to other animals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Buzzard
A term used in North America to refer to some vultures or hawks.
The locals often called the turkey vulture a buzzard.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Vulture
Any of various large diurnal birds of prey of the families Accipitridae and Cathartidae.
The Andean condor is a type of vulture found in South America.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Buzzard
A raptor with a rounded tail and sharp talons.
The buzzard is a formidable hunter in its habitat.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
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Vulture
A bird often associated with death or decay due to its feeding habits.
In some cultures, the vulture is seen as a symbol of renewal.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Buzzard
A bird belonging to the genus Buteo.
Many species of buzzards can be found across Europe and Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2023
Vulture
A large bird of prey with a bald head, primarily feeding on carrion.
The vulture circled above, waiting for the right moment to descend on the carcass.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Vulture
A scavenging raptor known for its keen eyesight.
The vulture can spot a dead animal from great heights.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Buzzard
Chiefly British A hawk of the genus Buteo, having broad wings and a broad tail.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
Any of several Old World birds of prey of the genus Buteo with broad wings and a broad tail.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vulture
Any of several carrion-eating birds of the families Accipitridae and Cathartidae.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
(North America) Any scavenging bird, such as the American black vulture (Coragyps atratus) or the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vulture
A person who profits from the suffering of others.
Within ten minutes of the accident, the vultures appeared and were organizing lawsuits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
In North America, a curmudgeonly or cantankerous man; an old person; a mean, greedy person.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vulture
To circle around one's target as if one were a vulture.
Rudy vultured when asking the girl out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vulture
Any one of numerous species of rapacious birds belonging to Vultur, Cathartes, Catharista, and various other genera of the family Vulturidæ.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
A bird of prey of the Hawk family, belonging to the genus Buteo and related genera.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vulture
Any of various large diurnal birds of prey having naked heads and weak claws and feeding chiefly on carrion
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
In the United States, a term used for the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and sometimes indiscriminately to any vulture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
Common in South America and Central America and southern United States
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Buzzard
A predatory bird that feeds on small animals and carrion.
The buzzard swooped down to snatch its prey.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
FAQs
What primarily differentiates a buzzard from a vulture?
Buzzards are birds of prey often feeding on small mammals, while vultures are scavengers feeding mainly on carrion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Why do vultures have bald heads?
Vultures have bald heads to prevent soiling of feathers when feeding on carcasses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are vultures found worldwide?
Vultures have a broader distribution, being found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are buzzards only found in Europe and Asia?
Predominantly, but some species or related birds are also found in North America.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Do both buzzards and vultures have sharp talons?
Yes, both possess sharp talons suitable for their feeding habits.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are all vultures large birds?
While most vultures are large, sizes can vary among species.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are buzzards and vultures endangered?
Some species of both buzzards and vultures are threatened due to habitat loss, poisoning, and other factors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
What type of habitats do vultures prefer?
Vultures typically prefer open landscapes where they can easily spot carrion.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Is the word "buzzard" sometimes used for other birds in North America?
Yes, in North America, the term "buzzard" can sometimes refer to certain vultures or hawks.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Are there cultural beliefs associated with vultures?
Yes, in some cultures, vultures symbolize death, rebirth, or cleansing due to their scavenging habits.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Are buzzards considered pests in any regions?
In some areas, buzzards are seen as pests, especially by farmers, due to their predation on poultry or small livestock.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
How do vultures locate their food?
Vultures have keen eyesight and often circle high in the sky to locate carrion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Why are some vultures called "Old World" and others "New World"?
"Old World" vultures are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, while "New World" vultures are found in the Americas.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Do buzzards hunt live prey?
Yes, buzzards often hunt small mammals and birds but also feed on carrion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Do buzzards have varied plumage patterns?
Yes, buzzards can display a range of plumage colors and patterns depending on the species.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Do buzzards migrate?
Some species of buzzards migrate, while others are resident.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can both buzzards and vultures be seen soaring in the sky?
Yes, both species are known for their soaring behavior, often riding thermals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
How do vultures handle the bacteria in rotting meat?
Vultures have a highly acidic stomach that can neutralize toxins and harmful bacteria in carrion.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Do vultures have predators?
While adult vultures have few natural predators, their eggs and chicks can be vulnerable to other birds or mammals.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Are buzzards and vultures closely related?
While both are raptors, they belong to different taxonomic families and evolved their similar habits independently.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
