BUZZARD, the English name of the buteo. a genus of birds, and especially of three species. These are: 1. The turkey buzzard (cathartes aura). This genus is more a carrion vulture than a raptorial bird, like some of the other genera described below. They are natives of our Southern States, where they are very useful as scaven gers, and are so much appreciated in this regard that in most of the States they are protected by law. In conse quence they grow quite tame, and in some places may be considered almost a domesticated fowl. They are about the size of a common turkey, and the species gets its name from a distant resemblance between the two. They are of a dirty black color, and are from 25 to 36 inches long, having an immense span of wing (proportionate), being remarkable for their powerful and graceful flight. Its nest is a mere hollow in the ground with a rampart of loose, dead branches around it. These birds may be seen by
hundreds in one locality, hovering over and lighting upon the carcass of a dead animal. They are rarely found N. of Pennsylvania.
2. The brown buzzard (buteo vul. ganis), called also the glead, glede, glade, kite or puttock. The male is deep brown above, the margins of the feath ers paler, the under parts yellowish white with brown spots, the face with brown and pale bands. The female is deep brown above and below, with whit ish streaks on the throat, and spots of the same color on the breast. It feeds on small mammalia, birds, lizards, worms and insects. It makes its nest in trees and ledges of rock.
3. The rough legged buzzard (buteo lagopus), which is feathered to the toes.