Any small, bounding, gnawing mammal of the family Leporidae.
Rabbits have long ears, a short tail, long hind legs, and continuously growing incisors. Most species are gray or brown and range in size from 10 to 18 in. (25 to 45 cm) long and 1 to 4 lb (0.5 to 2 kg). They feed primarily on grasses. Their reproductive rate is very high; unlike hare s, rabbits are born blind, hairless, and helpless. Most species are nocturnal and live alone in burrows. However, the European, or Old World, rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ; of Europe and Asia) lives in warrens consisting of many burrows; this species is the ancestor to all domestic breeds. The 13 North American species called cottontails (genus Sylvilagus ) have white on the underside of the tail.
Eastern cottontail rabbit ( Sylvilagus floridanus ).
(Top) Jane Burton/Bruce Coleman Inc., (bottom) Steve and Dave Maslowski