The New Student's Reference Work/Buzzard

Buzzard. The term is used in a loose way. The true buzzards include the hen-hawks and the common buzzard of Europe. The hen-hawks, embracing the red-tailed and rough-legged buzzards, are good representatives of the group as to general appearance and average size. The white-tailed buzzard of South America and the common fish-hawk or osprey are other varieties. The true buzzards are related to the eagles and falcons. The so-called turkey-buzzard belongs with the vultures, and not with the buzzards. In the south this bird is protected by law, both whites and negroes appreciating its services in removing decaying matter. Seen floating high up in the air, one forgets its habits and thinks only of the beauty of its motion; it is very familiar to the children of the south.