DESCRIPTION: Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) have short, fluffy, white tails that are raised when alarmed. Weight: 2 - 4 lbs. Appalachian cottontails resemble eastern cottontails, however Appalachian cottontails are smaller, lighter and have a black patch between the ears. [9][20] Litters disperse at about seven weeks. We can call them ubiquitous animals which means they are everywhere. Woody cover is extremely important for the survival and abundance of eastern cottontails. [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%). Bambi They are more distantly related to the European and other rabbits, and more distantly still to the hares. and crabgrasses (Digitaria spp.). The eastern cottontail is the most familiar rabbit in Virginia and easily recognized by most Virginians. Their scientific name is Sylvilagus floridanus. [6] In Connecticut important summer foods include clovers, alfalfa, timothy (Phleum pratense), bluegrasses (Poa spp. You guessed it: brown. However, this feature is not present in all cottontails nor is it unique to the genus. eastern and south-central United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico, Central America and northernmost South America. Family: Leporidae. ... Common Name: Eastern cottontail. Except for the rust colored nape, the upper parts of the body and chest are pinkish or reddish to grayish brown sprinkled with black. Appalachian Cottontail 9. [7] Habitat parameters important for eastern cottontails in ponderosa pine, mixed species, and pinyon (Pinus spp. A majority of females first breed the spring following birth; but 10% to 36% of females breed as juveniles (i.e., summer of the year they were born). The eastern cottontail is now more common in it. Throughout their range, cottontails can be found in meadows or any open grassy area with an abundance of well-distributed dense shrubs for cover. Lowest Conservation Concern. This rabbit is medium-sized, measuring 36–48 cm (14–19 in) in total length, including a small tail that averages 5.3 cm (2.1 in). It may use the dens of groundhogs as a temporary home or during heavy snow. [19] In New England breeding occurs from March to September. [10], Most nest holes are constructed in grasslands (including hayfields). The Eastern Cottontail has speckled brown-gray fur above, reddish-brown fur around its neck and shoulders and lighter fur around its nose and on its undersides. The eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is a New World cottontail rabbit, a member of the family Leporidae. The cottontail will turn the food with its nose to find the cleanest part of the vegetation (free of sand and inedible parts) to begin its meal. ABBREVIATION : SYFL COMMON NAMES : eastern cottontail cottontail rabbit Florida cottontail TAXONOMY : The currently accepted scientific name for eastern cottontail is Sylvilagus floridanus (J. Scientific Name . Eastern cottontails eat vegetation almost exclusively; arthropods have occasionally been found in pellets. that you are responsible for knowing for the final lab practical. Most Sylvilagus species have stub tails with white undersides that show when they retreat, giving them their characteristic name. 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. You guessed it: brown. SCIENTIFIC NAMESylvilagus floridanus FAMILYLeporidae (Hare and rabbit) Eastern cottontails are small, brown rabbits with white cottony tails. woodlands include woody debris, herbaceous and shrubby understories, and patchiness. When chased, it runs in a zigzag pattern, running up to 18 mph (29 km/h). 395 to 477 mm. The most popular color? SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sylviagus floridanus. [6] In Connecticut, important winter foods include gray birch (Betula populifolia), red maple, and smooth sumac (Rhus glabra). A. Allen) [9,10,28,48]. [9] Predators. [11], The onset of breeding varies between populations and within populations from year to year. This page was last revised on 22 November 2005.. In Georgia the breeding season lasts nine months and in Texas breeding occurs year-round. 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. In the U.S., it is found in most of the Eastern U.S. and in parts of New Mexico and Arizona. 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. (26 - 47 mm) . [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. Eastern Cottontail[English], lapin à queue blanche [French] Source: ... Any Name or TSN: Common Name: Scientific Name : TSN: In: Kingdom Go to Advanced Search and Report . Binomial name: Sylvilagus floridanus; Behavior. From South America to Canada, in … STATUS: Common and found statewide. Unless you find someone's escaped rabbit, you are not likely to find any other species. [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). New England, specifically from southern Maine to southern New York. Hi 20zrozgonyi! 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