Buzzard

A buzzard in biology is a member of the genus Buteo. In general talk it may be one of several large birds.

Old World

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 called "buzzards", but "hawk" may be more common in North America.
Specifically, in Europe, the common buzzard is Buteo buteo. Most people call this bird a 'buzzard'.
Any other raptor with the word buzzard as part of its name.

In the New World 'buzzard' may mean:

A vulture. Mostly the American black vulture and turkey vulture. It may be used as a general name for vultures.
In parts of the United States where they are thought to be a pest, the name is used in a bad way to mean a bird of prey. Mostly it is used for the Cooper's hawk, the sharp-shinned hawk the red-tailed hawk or the duck hawk.

Scientifically, these are all buzzards.

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, look something like Buteo buzzards. They feed on wasp nests and larvae.
- European or Eurasian Honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
- Oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
- Barred honey-buzzard (Pernis celebensis)
Other genus of honey buzzards
- Black honey buzzard (Henicopernis infuscatus)
- Long-tailed honey buzzard (Henicopernis longicauda)