These rabbits are able to begin breeding at 2 to 3 months old. [10], Most nest holes are constructed in grasslands (including hayfields). Population Dynamics of the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit STACEY PECEN1, The Pennsylvania State University, 305 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA ABSTRACT Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) experience high productivity with adults averaging five young in a litter and three to four litters annually. They are seldom found in deep woods. The eastern cottontail rabbit is approximately 15 to 19 inches (37 to 48 cm) in length and weighs 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg). It has long ears; big, dark eyes; and often has a white spot on its forehead. [12][13] Weight can range from 1.8 to 4.4 lb (800 to 2,000 g), with an average of around 2.6 lb (1,200 g). Female rabbits can have one to seven litters of one to twelve young, called kits, in a year; however, they average three to four litters per year, and the average number of kits is five. Males and females are generally the same size and color. De konijn is begin jaren 80 opgezet en komt uit een Italiaanse collectie. In captivity, the Eastern cottontail can live up to 8 years. Cottontails differs from its cousin eastern cottontail which is because they eat different habitat and have a different physical appearance. In Missouri, it was estimated that ten eastern cottontails are killed annually per mile of road. 35–43 in: Nowak, Ronald M.; Paradiso, John L. (1983). Their coats are range from grey brown to reddish brown, and their tail has a white underside that is visible when the rabbit is running. Ontogenetic allometry and architectural properties of the paravertebral and hindlimb musculature in Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus): functional implications for developmental changes in locomotor performance. An eastern cottontail rabbit darts out of the bushes, zigging and zagging to throw the surprised fox off of its trail. Lagomorphs typically have short tails, and rodents have long tails. Find eastern cottontail rabbit stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. [3] Further summary of diseases and pests is available. The high reproductive capacity and adaptability of this species has made the cottontail one of the most important game animals in North America. In the winter its fur may be more gray than brown. 121–128 in: Wood, Gene W. File history. Breeding season is January to September, peaking from March to July. or more. The tracks in this photo are leading upwards. The adult eastern cottontail is a mid-sized rabbit weighing approximately 900-1,800 g (2-4 lbs.) Select an item from the list on the right to compare related dimensions. The largest ranges are occupied by adult males during the breeding season. [16] Meanwhile, 346 adult cottontails from Michigan were found to have averaged 3.186 lb (1,445 g) in mass. Join our monthly newsletter! 2019 Jul;235(1):106-123. doi: 10.1111/joa.12991. [11][20], The diet of eastern cottontails is varied and largely dependent on availability. Steudal et al. ), corvids (Corvus spp. [7] In New England, eastern cottontail home ranges average 1.4 acres (0.57 hectares) for adult males and 1.2 acres (0.49 hectares) for adult females but vary in size from 0.5 to 40 acres (0.20 to 16.19 hectares), depending on season, habitat quality, and individual. The top of the nest is camouflaged with grass and leaves. The ears of an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit are 2.5”-3.5” (6.4-8.9 cm) in length. Based on studies of other taxa, we predicted the body size of the eastern cottontail to vary positively with latitude across its range. The largest ranges are occupied by adult males during the breeding season. "Seasonal food habits of black bears in Great Dismal Swamp, Virginia – North Carolina". Adirondack Mammals. The lifespan of a cottontail averages about two years, depending on the location. There is a rusty patch on the tail. Eastern cottontail rabbits reside throughout the eastern United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. The cottontail prefers an area where it can hide quickly but be out in the open. In New England, eastern cottontail home ranges average 1.4 acres (0.57 hectares) for adult males and 1.2 acres (0.49 hectares) for adult females but vary in size from 0.5 to 40 acres (0.20 to 16.19 hectares), depending on season, habitat quali… Scaled 2D drawings and 3D models available for download. The redigestion of pellets greatly increases the nutritional value of dietary items. … Eastern Cottontail Rabbits have a shoulder height of 7â-9â (17.8-22.9 cm), body length between 15â-18â (38-45.7 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 2-4.5 lb (.9-2 kg). The average measurements are: length 7.09 in (18 cm), width 4.9 in (12 cm), and depth 4.71 in (12 cm). Eastern Cottontail run. Swamp Rabbit 2. )-juniper (Juniperus spp.) Epub 2019 May 17. However, most are brown, tan, or grey, in color, and relatively small. Finally, many species of cottontails have a white tail, which they flick up when they are alert or fleeing from a predator. Rabbits differ from hares in size, life history, and preferred habitat. [19] Mating is promiscuous. ©2021 Dimensions.com | All rights reserved. [18], Eastern cottontails are crepuscular to nocturnal feeders; although they usually spend most of the daylight hours resting in shallow depressions under vegetative cover or other shelter, they can be seen at any time of day. The total lagomorph order is made up of about 87 species. A young Eastern cottontail. Cottontails Females are heightened than the male ones. A dense, buffy brown underfur and longer, coarser gray- and black-tipped guard hairs cover the back of the eastern cottontail. [19] Other favored species include clovers (Trifolium spp.) 216pp. and crabgrasses (Digitaria spp.). The eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is a New World cottontail rabbit, a member of the family Leporidae. In Texas, eastern cottontails are preyed on by coyotes more heavily in early spring and in fall than in summer or winter. Nuttall’s cottontail rabbits are a medium sized rabbit. The eastern cottontail may also shelter in the underground burrows of other animals during harsh winter weather. The female cottontail's home range is 1 to 15 acres (9.4 ha.) 1. Feeding The eastern cottontail feeds on many plants, including clover, sprouts, grasses, sedges, vines and shrubs. [23] A major cause of eastern cottontail mortality is collision with automobiles. ), chickweed (Stellaria media), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). "Effects of prescribed fire on furbearers in the South", pp. [22] Some studies list as many as 70[22] to 145 plant species in local diets. Subscribed! and weight about 1 to 2 lbs. Nests are also constructed in thickets, orchards, and scrubby woods. It is the most common rabbit species in North America and can be found in the United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico, central America, and northern most South America. It may use the dens of groundhogs as a temporary home or during heavy snow. Behavior Cottontail rabbits are hunted by many predators, so they only live two to three years in the wild. Adult eastern cottontails reach a length of 395 to 477 mm. Size of this preview: 574 × 600 pixels. In Iowa most nests were within 70 yd (64 m) of brush cover in herbaceous vegetation at least 4 in (10 cm) tall. The cottontail must reingest fecal pellets … Hopefully, the above information has shed more light on this interesting fauna of the American grasslands. In Alabama the breeding season begins in January. [3], Predators that take nestlings include raccoon, badger (Taxidea taxus), skunks (Mephitis and Spilogale spp. It has large brown eyes and large ears to see and listen for danger. The underside is white. All habitat components needed by an animal are found in its home range. [7] The nest is concealed in grasses or weeds. In Pennsylvania, the chief predator of eastern cottontails is the great horned owl. Eastern Cottontail (Slyvilagus floridanus Allen) From: Saunders, D. A. Cottontails are 38 cm long approx. [14][15] There may be some slight variation in the body size of eastern cottontails, with weights seeming to increase from south to north, in accordance with Bergmann's rule. Use our Size Comparison calculator to compare the dimensional properties of Eastern Cottontail with other related elements from our database. 4. Leporids including eastern cottontails are coprophagous, producing two types of fecal pellets, one of which is consumed. [22], In Kansas, the largest cause of mortality of radiotracked eastern cottontails was predation (43%), followed by deaths due to the research process (19%), and tularemia (18%). Males and females are basically the same size and color. The kits develop the same coloring after a few weeks, but they also have a white blaze that goes down their forehead; this marking eventually disappears. The cottontail then lifts a paw to bend the branch and bring the food within reach. [17], The eastern cottontail is a very territorial animal. [11] Eastern cottontail young are born with a very fine coat of hair and are blind. [11], Eastern cottontails are hosts to fleas, ticks, lice, cestodes, nematodes, trematodes, gray flesh fly larvae, botfly larvae, tularemia, shopes fibroma, torticollis, and cutaneous streptothricosis. Wordt aangetekend … Typically eastern cottontails occupy habitats in and around farms including fields, pastures, open woods, thickets associated with fencerows, wooded thickets, forest edges, and suburban areas with adequate food and cover. Major predators of eastern cottontail include domestic cats and dogs, foxes (Vulpes and Urocyon spp. 5 out of 5 ... Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Watercolor Signed Archival Print // 9 x 12 Size // 11 x 14 Matted Size // Animal Art MarikaChew. [21] Males will mate with more than one female. Trace amounts of eastern cottontail remains have been detected in black bear (Ursus americanus) scat. De conditie is goed. Some of the sub-species that fall under the cottontail breed are: 1. Cottontails are 15 to 18 inches long and weigh between two and three pounds. Opgezette Floridakonijn. [8] Daily activity is usually restricted to 10% to 20% of the overall home range. Eastern US, South Central US: Temperament: Wild: Color Form: Red-brown, grey brown: Lifespan: 2 years: Size: 14 – 19 inches: Diet: Bark, twigs, fruit, buds, flowers, seeds: Litter Size: 2 – 8 [3] Eastern cottontails usually move only short distances, and they may remain sitting very still for up to 15 minutes at a time. The exact time of breeding depends on the temperature, food, and light. Captive eastern cottontails have lived to at least nine years of age. The eastern cottontail breeding season begins later with higher latitudes and elevations. 1988. [11] Eastern cottontails are most active when visibility is limited, such as rainy or foggy nights. In the winter, their coat is longer and grayer. State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Habitat characteristics and color tones are important in determining the dominant color … Eastern Cottontail 7. Eastern cottontail has an "extra" bone called the interparietal, a small triangular shaped bone near the back of the skull, wedged between the two parietal bones (hence the name!). Eastern cottontails also consume many domestic crops. [7] Eastern cottontails probably use woody cover more during the winter, particularly in areas where cover is provided by herbaceous vegetation in summer. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. [7] Eastern cottontails do not dig their own dens (other than nest holes) but use burrows dug by other species such as woodchucks. [21], Annual adult survival is estimated at 20%. You will see fur around the nose and neck area. J Anat. Each mature female bears an average of four litters per year. Also, lagomorphs are herbivores while rodents are omnivores. Photo by Alexis Burnett: Typical Cottontail tracks. [8], Eastern cottontails forage in open areas and use brush piles, stone walls with shrubs around them, herbaceous and shrubby plants, and burrows or dens for escape cover, shelter, and resting cover. They are also found in swamps and marshes and usually avoid dense woods. Het is waarschijnlijk het algemeenste konijn van Noord-Amerika. The eastern cottontail grows 15 to 18 inches in length and weighs no more than 3 pounds. Hunters have been pursuing the Eastern cottontail ever since the time of the earliest Native Americans. [3], During the dormant season, or when green vegetation is covered with snow, eastern cottontails consume twigs, buds, and bark of woody vegetation. Its fur is shorter and brown in summer and longer and gray in winter. [7] Habitat parameters important for eastern cottontails in ponderosa pine, mixed species, and pinyon (Pinus spp. Appalachian Cottontail 9. Cottontail rabbits must be distinguished from jackrabbits and other hares, which are generally larger in size and have longer ears. The cottontail turns the food with its nose to find the cleanest part of the vegetation (free of sand and inedible parts) to begin its meal. ). The peak period of highway mortality is in spring (March through May); roadside vegetation greens up before adjacent fields and is highly attractive to eastern cottontails. ), and snakes. Temperature rather than diet has been suggested as a primary factor controlling onset of breeding; many studies correlate severe weather with delays in the onset of breeding. The eastern cottontail, which is the most common of the cottontail rabbits, has grayish brown fur above that is often grizzled with black hairs. They are a territorial animal and run in a zigzag pattern when being chased. In southwestern Wisconsin adult male home ranges averaged 6.9 acres (2.8 hectares) in spring, increased to 10 acres (4.0 hectares) in early summer, and decreased to 3.7 acres (1.5 hectares) by late summer. Their eyes begin to open by four to seven days. Males and females are basically the same size and color. Its range expanded north as forests were cleared by settlers. During the summer months, cottontails primarily eat grasses, legumes, succulent annuals, weeds, as well as the occasional garden vegetable. Select an item on the right to compare relative dimensions to Eastern Cottontail. One way to reduce the potential for damage caused by rabbits is to remove potential places that rabbits might take cover. Litter size is genrally 3-5 or occasionally up to 8, with up to several litters per year. The hair on the upper part of the body is a dense, buff-brown underfur covered by longer, coarser, gray- and black-tipped guard hairs. They can range in color from a light brown to a darker gray. This Eastern Cottontail is one of several from my Images of Nature series. "Cottontails: Komarek, Roy. The territories of males can cover an area of 25 to 30 square miles (40 to 48 square kilometers) and overlap with other female and male bobcats, but smaller females territories of 5 square miles (8 square kilometers) don't tend to merge. [9][11], In summer, eastern cottontails consume tender green herbaceous vegetation when it is available. However, individuals in the northern part of its range are larger than those in southern areas. Cottontail rabbits must be distinguished from jackrabbits and other hares, which are generally larger in size and have longer ears. [7], In southeastern Wisconsin home ranges of males overlapped by up to 50%, but female home ranges did not overlap by more than 25% and actual defense of range by females occurred only in the immediate area of the nest. The ears are 2–3 inches long (4.9–7.6 cm) and held straight up; t… From the Eastern cottontail rabbit adaptations in living style and behavior, one must realize that no matter how small the species, survival is always due to the fittest. It is abundant in Midwest North America, and has been found in New Mexico and Arizona. Drawings include:â¨Eastern Cottontail Rabbit side elevation (standing), side (crouching), front (standing), back (sitting), side (sitting), Wikipedia - LagomorphaAnimal Diversity - LagomorphaARBA - American Rabbit Breeders Association. Its underside fur is white. Litvaitis et al. [13] In the South, female eastern cottontails have more litters per year (up to seven) but fewer young per litter. ), plantains (Plantago spp. The eastern cottontail grows 15 to 18 inches in length and weighs no more than 3 pounds. The sun sets over a quiet backyard garden. ), raccoon (Procyon lotor), mink (M. vison), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), barred owl (Strix varia), hawks (principally Buteo spp. [5], Optimal eastern cottontail habitat includes open grassy areas, clearings, and old fields supporting abundant green grasses and herbs, with shrubs in the area or edges for cover. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T41299A45191626.en, "Mortality and population density of cottontail rabbits at Ross Natural History Resevation, Lyon County, Kansas", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eastern_cottontail&oldid=994161031, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from public domain works of the United States Government, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 December 2020, at 11:12. Food items include bark, twigs, leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, grass seeds, sedge fruits, and rush seeds. Cottontail rabbits play important roles in their ecosystems. In many areas Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratense) and Canada bluegrass (P. compressa) are important dietary components. The digestion of these substances is made possible by caecal fermentation. Eastern cottontail can be distinguished from the other common lagomorph of eastern Ontario, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), by its smaller size, colouration (it does not turn white in winter as hares do), and physical features (for example, shorter ears). Females are larger than males. Date/Time Thumbnail Dimensions User Comment; Litter size ranges from two to nine young, with an average of five. (ed.). 3DM, OBJ, SKP formats, Dimensions is a project by Fantastic Offense. Eastern cottontail can be distinguished from the other common lagomorph of eastern Ontario, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), by its smaller size, colouration (it does not turn white in winter as hares do), and physical features (for example, shorter ears). The typical lifespan of an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit is 2-3 years in the wild and up to 7-9 years in captivity. In Vermont, snow cover limits the distribution and densities of the cottontail population. The speedy rabbit zooms into the nearby woods, easily … Because they are poorly camouflaged in snow, winter cover needs are acute for cottontails. The average home range size for Eastern cottontail rabbits is ten acres, although in high quality habitat it may be smaller. The nest is lined with grass and fur. (1994) hypothesized a threshold that determines adaptiveness of whether an animal should increase body size or increase pelage or other insulative layers to minimize mass-specific metabolic rate. It pads over to the bushes when a streak of brown flashes in the greenery. The female tends to be heavier, although the sexes broadly overlap in size. Eastern cottontails are active year-round. It has also been introduced into parts of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. [3] Originally, it was not found in New England, but it has been introduced and now competes for habitat there with the native New England cottontail. What animals belong to the lagomorph family? Special Report 19. The winter diet includes small grains, as well as twigs, bark, and buds of shrubs and trees. To nest, the female rabbit digs a small, shallow depression about the size of a woman’s hand. Rabbit, any of 29 species of long-eared mammals belonging to the family Leporidae, excluding hares (genus Lepus).
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