A buzzard is one of some large birds, but there are a number of meanings as detailed below.
In the Old World
Buzzard can mean:
One of several medium-sized, wide-ranging raptors with a robust body and broad wings.
In exacting, those in the genus Buteo. In the Old World, members of this genus are named as "buzzards", but "hawk" is more general in North America.
Specifically, in Europe, the general Buzzard, Buteo, where Buzzard is often used as a synonym.
Any raptor which has the word buzzard as division of its name.
In the New World
Buzzard can mean:
A vulture, mainly the American Black Vulture and Turkey Vulture, or as a general term for vultures and condors.
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 Chicken hawk (a common colloquial name referring to both the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper's Hawk), or the Duck hawk (known elsewhere as the Peregrine Falcon). In the U.S., the term "buzzard" is never used to refer to birds of prey, like hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, exterior of this context.
Rarely, a derogatory term for any large bird that happens to be a scavenger, such as a raven or albatross (in other words, any large bird that is neither predatory nor flightless).
The Old World and New World uses are approximately antonyms.
In the Old World
Buzzard can mean:
One of several medium-sized, wide-ranging raptors with a robust body and broad wings.
In exacting, those in the genus Buteo. In the Old World, members of this genus are named as "buzzards", but "hawk" is more general in North America.
Specifically, in Europe, the general Buzzard, Buteo, where Buzzard is often used as a synonym.
Any raptor which has the word buzzard as division of its name.
In the New World
Buzzard can mean:
A vulture, mainly the American Black Vulture and Turkey Vulture, or as a general term for vultures and condors.
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 Chicken hawk (a common colloquial name referring to both the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper's Hawk), or the Duck hawk (known elsewhere as the Peregrine Falcon). In the U.S., the term "buzzard" is never used to refer to birds of prey, like hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, exterior of this context.
Rarely, a derogatory term for any large bird that happens to be a scavenger, such as a raven or albatross (in other words, any large bird that is neither predatory nor flightless).
The Old World and New World uses are approximately antonyms.
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