Buzzard confusion (1 Viewer)

[kingfisher_fan]

At my house (I live with my grandparents in the country), there have been two "buzzards". This is what my grandpa called them. They lived here for ages, then disappeared. Recently we spotted two (may or may not have been the same two) back in the tree, but they have now gone again. We have wild rabbits in the banks under the trees, so I'm guessing this is what attracts them.

Basically, my question is; my grandfather uses the term "buzzards", but in our giant Birds of Prey book, buzzards don't have a mention. I looked up the term on the Opus on Bird Forum here, and it directed to me to a list of eagles and kites. A few of the birds listed did have the term buzzard in their names.

What I am confused about is whether "buzzard" is a colloquial name or something. It doesn't come up as being an official breed. Can any one explain this to me?

Does any one have any information on their breeding and parenting, and whether or not they migrate?

If there are different types, how do I tell the difference?

 

[Barred Wobbler]

After a serious decline a few decades ago, buzzards are now amongst out commonest birds of prey and have spread over much of the UK.

Look up "Common Buzzard" (Buteo buteo)

 

[martin kitching]

On this side of the Atlantic, buzzards are the birds in the genus Buteo and Pernis; Common Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Honey Buzzard etc.

On the other side of the Atlantic, birds in Buteo are called hawks; Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk etc. Then, to add to the confusion, also in the US, buzzard is a colloquial name applied to Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture.

Hope this helps

cheers
martin

 

[Barred Wobbler]

On this side of the Atlantic, buzzards are the birds in the genus Buteo and Pernis; Common Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Honey Buzzard etc.

On the other side of the Atlantic, birds in Buteo are called hawks; Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk etc. Then, to add to the confusion, also in the US, buzzard is a colloquial name applied to Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture.

Hope this helps

cheers
martin

And in Scotland (and maybe a few other places) they are called Tourist Eagles. N'est-ce pas?

 

[SallyAnn]

And in Scotland (and maybe a few other places) they are called Tourist Eagles. N'est-ce pas?

Yes, I've heard them called that too!:-O

 

[kingfisher_fan]

Thanks everyone!

 

[martin kitching]

Indeed they are

cheers
martin

And in Scotland (and maybe a few other places) they are called Tourist Eagles. N'est-ce pas?

 

[Gary Polliard]

In the northeast U.S. many cities await the spring arrival of the turkey vultures or buzzards. I live in western Pa. and actually saw my first group of turkey vultures three days ago. Scavengers they help clean up the dead animals along the roadways and woodlands. lots of non birders mix them up eagles when sited from a distance.