BUZ-erd
BUZZARD is a large bird of prey, typically referring to various hawk species in North America or true buzzards (genus Buteo) elsewhere. With double Z's worth 20 points, this 7-letter word scores 28 base points in Scrabble, qualifying for the coveted 50-point bingo bonus when using all tiles.
28
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
BUZZARD soars through both the natural world and word game boards as a compelling example of linguistic and ecological convergence. This powerful 7-letter word combines exceptional Scrabble value—thanks to its double Z configuration worth 20 points—with rich cultural and biological significance. Whether circling thermals in search of carrion or landing on triple word scores, buzzards command attention through their distinctive presence and valuable letter combination.
In ornithological terms, "buzzard" creates fascinating transatlantic confusion. In North America, buzzard typically refers to New World vultures, particularly the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and black vulture (Coragyps atratus). These bald-headed scavengers, with their distinctive wobbling flight and remarkable sense of smell, clean ecosystems by consuming carrion. However, cross the Atlantic, and buzzard means something entirely different—true buzzards are birds of prey in the genus Buteo, related to hawks rather than vultures. The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) of Europe resembles what Americans call a red-tailed hawk.
This linguistic divergence stems from early colonial misidentification. European settlers in America saw large, soaring birds circling overhead and applied the familiar name "buzzard" to these New World vultures. The mistake stuck, creating permanent confusion in common names while scientific nomenclature maintains clarity. This exemplifies how language evolves differently across regions, with the same word developing distinct meanings based on local fauna and cultural contexts.
Buzzards, whether vultures or hawks, play crucial ecological roles. Vulture-buzzards are nature's cleanup crew, possessing incredibly strong stomach acid that neutralizes bacteria and toxins in decaying flesh. Their bald heads aren't just distinctive—they're hygienic adaptations preventing bacteria from clinging to feathers while feeding inside carcasses. True buzzards (Buteo species) are versatile predators, controlling rodent populations and serving as indicator species for ecosystem health. Both types demonstrate remarkable soaring abilities, riding thermals for hours while expending minimal energy.
Cultural perceptions of buzzards vary dramatically. In Western culture, buzzards often symbolize death, decay, or impending doom—circling buzzards became a visual cliche in Western films. Yet many cultures revere these birds. Tibetan sky burials rely on vultures for sacred disposal of remains. Native American traditions honor turkey vultures as symbols of renewal and purification. The birds' patience, efficiency, and crucial ecological role inspire respect among those who understand their importance.
For word game strategists, BUZZARD represents a premium play opportunity. The double Z configuration creates exceptional scoring potential—each Z worth 10 points combines with B (3 points) and D (2 points) for 28 base points. This qualifies for the 50-point bingo bonus when playing all seven tiles, potentially yielding 78+ points before position multipliers. The ZZ combination is particularly valuable for parallel plays, where both Zs can hit premium squares simultaneously. Expert players save BUZZARD for game-changing moments, especially when they can place a Z on a triple letter score.
The word "buzzard" exemplifies how language evolves through cultural exchange and geographic separation. It entered Middle English around 1300 as "busard" from Old French "busard," itself derived from Latin "buteo." The Latin term specifically referred to a type of hawk, what modern ornithologists classify as the genus Buteo. This original meaning persists in British English, where buzzards are broad-winged raptors that soar on thermals while hunting small mammals.
The American divergence occurred during early colonization. European settlers, encountering large soaring birds in the New World, applied familiar names to unfamiliar species. Turkey vultures and black vultures, with their impressive wingspans and circling flight patterns, reminded colonists of the buzzards back home. The misapplication stuck, creating a permanent transatlantic split in meaning that confuses bird watchers to this day.
Some etymologists propose the word's ultimate root lies in Latin "butire" (to cry out), referring to the bird's distinctive call. Others trace it to a hypothetical Gaulish word related to the Welsh "bod" (kite). The French connection seems strongest, as medieval French falconry texts frequently mention "busards" among hunting birds. The word spread across Europe—German "Bussard," Dutch "buizerd," Italian "buzzardo"—maintaining its hawk meaning everywhere except North America.
The Z-heavy spelling emerged in English by the 1500s, possibly influenced by the bird's buzzing flight sound or through confusion with "buzz." This orthographic evolution gifted Scrabble players with those valuable double Zs. Modern usage increasingly requires geographic context: saying "I saw a buzzard" means hawks in London but vultures in Los Angeles, a linguistic fossil of colonial natural history.
•Turkey vultures have the largest olfactory system of all birds, able to smell carrion from over a mile away—a rare ability among birds
•The double Z in BUZZARD is worth 20 points alone—one of only 11 common English words with ZZ, including JAZZ, FIZZ, and PUZZLE
•A group of vultures circling in the air is called a "kettle," while vultures feeding together are called a "wake"
•Buzzards can soar for hours without flapping, using thermals to gain altitude—some reaching heights of 20,000 feet
•Playing BUZZARD across two triple word scores (if possible) would score over 450 points—one of the highest theoretical single-word scores
"Three buzzards circled lazily above the desert highway, riding invisible columns of hot air."
"The old rancher watched the buzzards gathering, knowing they'd found another coyote-killed calf."
"In British bird guides, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is described as a medium-sized raptor, not a vulture."
"Like buzzards to carrion, the paparazzi descended on the celebrity scandal."
"I saved BUZZARD for the perfect moment—playing it on a triple word score with the Z on a double letter for 156 points!"
Total base points: 28 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 5
Words with similar meaning
For American usage (vulture):
Vulture
Large carrion-eating bird
Turkey vulture
Red-headed scavenger
Carrion bird
Bird that feeds on dead animals
For British usage (hawk):
Hawk
Bird of prey
Raptor
Predatory bird
Associated wildlife vocabulary
Scavenger
Animal that feeds on dead matter
Predator
Hunter of live prey
Kettle
Group of circling buzzards
Committee
Group of vultures resting
Wake
Group of vultures feeding
Singular
buzzard
A lone buzzard circled overhead.
Plural
buzzards
Several buzzards gathered at the site.
Adjective Form
buzzard-like
His buzzard-like patience paid off.
Possessive
buzzard's / buzzards'
The buzzard's keen eyesight spotted movement.
Related Terms
Classic ominous image
Large amount of carrion
Common name for turkey vulture
Where vultures gather at night
Save for Late Game
Hold BUZZARD for maximum impact
Watch for BUZZ
If BUZZ is played, add ARD
Triple Word Dream
Playing across TWS = 234+ points
Block Potential
BUZZARD can shut down board sections
Buzzards occupy a unique position in cultural symbolism, embodying both death and renewal across different societies. In Western popular culture, circling buzzards became visual shorthand for impending doom, particularly in Western films where they signaled danger in the desert. This imagery persists in cartoons, video games, and literature as an immediately recognizable harbinger of mortality.
Yet many cultures view buzzards positively. Native American traditions honor turkey vultures as purifiers who prevent disease by consuming carrion. Tibetan sky burials rely on vultures to carry souls to heaven. In ancient Egypt, the vulture goddess Nekhbet protected pharaohs. This duality—reviled scavenger versus sacred cleanser—reflects humanity's complex relationship with death and decomposition.
Modern conservation efforts have rehabilitated the buzzard's image. As people understand their ecological importance—preventing disease spread, recycling nutrients, indicating environmental health—attitudes shift from disgust to appreciation. Wildlife photographers capture their surprising grace in flight, while educators emphasize their sophisticated social behaviors and remarkable adaptations. The buzzard's journey from reviled to respected mirrors broader environmental awareness.
In competitive Scrabble, BUZZARD has achieved legendary status as a high-value bingo word. Tournament players share stories of game-changing BUZZARD plays, particularly those achieving the rare double-triple word score. The word appears in advanced strategy guides as an example of maximizing Z placement. Its combination of high scoring potential and relative familiarity makes it a favorite teaching example for intermediate players learning to recognize valuable seven-letter combinations.
Don't Rush the Play
BUZZARD is worth waiting for premium squares
Check for BUZZ First
Sometimes playing BUZZ and saving ARD is better
Remember: 28 Base Points
Plus 50 for bingo = 78 minimum
ZZ Parallel Plays
Each Z can score separately in parallel
BUZZ
Vibrating humming sound
BLIZZARD
Severe snowstorm
DAZZLED
Amazed or overwhelmed
PUZZLED
Confused or perplexed
MUZZLED
Prevented from speaking
FUZZIER
More unclear or fluffy
Other valuable 7-letter words with double letters in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like BUZZARD