Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bird of prey: A "buzzard" is a common name for two distinct groups of large birds. In Europe and other parts of the Old World, it typically refers to medium-sized, broad-winged hawks of the genus Buteo. In North and South America, the term commonly refers to large scavenging birds, specifically New World vultures like the turkey vulture.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • We saw a buzzard circling high above the field, searching for prey. (This refers to the European hawk.)
  • A flock of buzzards gathered around the roadkill. (This refers to the American vulture.)
  • The buzzard's keen eyesight helps it spot small rodents from a great distance.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The meaning of "buzzard" depends heavily on geographical context. In British English, it almost exclusively means a bird of prey (e.g., the common buzzard, ). In American English, it most often refers to a vulture.
• The term can be used metaphorically to describe a greedy or contemptible person, though this is considered old-fashioned or literary.
  • The old buzzard demanded rent from the poor family.
• In aviation slang, "buzzard" has been used to refer to certain military aircraft or to a novice pilot.

Variants and Related Words

• Buzzardry (n, archaic): Behavior characteristic of a buzzard; rapacity.
• Common buzzard (n): The specific species , widespread in Europe and Asia.
• Turkey buzzard / Turkey vulture (n): The common New World vulture () often called a buzzard in North America.

Synonyms

• For the hawk: Buteo, hawk, bird of prey.
• For the vulture: Vulture, carrion-eater, scavenger.

Idioms and Phrases

• As hungry as a buzzard: Extremely hungry.
  • After the hike, I was as hungry as a buzzard.
• Buzzard's luck: Bad luck; the idea that misfortune follows one around.
  • He's had buzzard's luck ever since he lost his job. (This idiom is regional and informal.)

Noun

1. the common European short-winged hawk
2. a New World vulture that is common in South America and Central America and the southern United States