Ask an Opossum

Hi! I’m Phi, Xplor’s mail possum. I know a lot about nature. If you have a question, email me at AskPhi@mdc.mo.gov.

Q: Is a buzzard a species of bird or just a nickname for hawks and vultures?

From Jett, age 12

A: In most of the world, a buzzard is a type of hawk. For example, common buzzards soar over Europe, jackal buzzards swoop through Africa, and upland buzzards hunt in Asia. In the U.S., we don’t call our hawks buzzards. But some folks call bald-headed birds that eat roadkill, buzzards, even though they’re technically called vultures.