Belled Buzzard

Belled Buzzard is a traditional old-time breakdown documented in two distinct versions: one in D major and another in C major. Both versions feature irregular measures and distinctive pizzicato passages that evoke the tinkle of a bell, reflecting an Ozark mountain legend about a buzzard with a bell around its neck that became associated with misfortune and calamity. The tune’s folklore origins describe farmers who belled a buzzard during a hog cholera outbreak, with the bird’s subsequent appearances believed to portend disaster. The melody shows connections to other traditional tunes including Billy in the Lowlands. Notable sources include banjo player Tony Thomas, who recorded the D major version in 1966 on Old Style Texas & Oklahoma Fiddlin’ (Takoma A-1013), and fiddler Ruthie Dornfeld of Seattle.