A buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey that circles high in the sky looking for small animals to eat. In everyday English, people sometimes also call any large, circling bird a “buzzard,” even if it isn’t the exact species.
In daily life, you might hear someone point upward and say, “Look at that buzzard!” when they see a big bird gliding over the highway. Or, if a person is accused of waiting around for something bad to happen, someone might joke, “Don’t be such a buzzard.” It’s rarely meant as a compliment—more like saying the person is scavenging or hanging around for scraps.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “The buzzard hovered above the field, searching for mice.”
• “After the picnic, a couple of buzzards landed near the trash cans.”
• Figuratively: “Investors were like buzzards, circling the struggling company.”
Context / Common Use
In the U.S. and U.K., “buzzard” most often points to a real hawk-like bird. In casual speech, it can also describe anyone who seems to linger where there’s trouble or free food, so tone and context tell you whether it’s literal or a mild insult.
Is a buzzard the same as a vulture?
In North America, people often mix the names, but technically a buzzard is a type of hawk, while vultures are the bald-headed scavengers.
Can “buzzard” be an insult?
Yes. Calling someone a buzzard can suggest they’re waiting for misfortune so they can benefit, but it’s usually light teasing rather than a harsh slur.
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