Mammals crepuscular

Desert Cottontail

Sylvilagus audubonii

The Desert Cottontail is the quintessential survivor of the American Southwest, known for its remarkably large ears and iconic white tail. These resilient rabbits are common backyard visitors, turning the landscape into a lively theater at dawn and dusk.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length of 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43 cm); weight between 1.5 and 3 lbs (0.7 to 1.4 kg).

palette

Colors

Pale grayish-brown upper body with a yellowish wash; white underbelly; throat and nape of the neck often show a patch of rust-colored fur.

visibility

Key Features

Oversized ears reaching 3-4 inches in length
Distinctive cottony-white underside of the tail
Stocky body with relatively short hind legs compared to jackrabbits
Large, dark eyes positioned on the sides of the head

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern crepuscular

brightness_5

Peak hours 5-8 AM, 6-9 PM

calendar_month

Season Year-round

restaurant

Diet A generalist herbivore that eats grasses, clover, sedges, and even prickly pear cactus for hydration. In winter, they may switch to bark and dry twigs.

park

Habitat Arid shrublands, desert grasslands, and suburban backyards with plenty of cover like xeriscaping or brush piles.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

The Desert Cottontail is a master of survival in arid environments, characterized by its nervous yet tolerant nature. Unlike the European rabbit, they do not dig their own extensive warrens; instead, they often occupy abandoned burrows made by other animals or hide in dense brush. They are surprisingly tolerant of other rabbits, and in suburban settings, you may see several individuals foraging peacefully within a few yards of each other.

When threatened, a Desert Cottontail's first instinct is to freeze, relying on its grayish-brown fur to blend perfectly into the desert scrub. If a predator approaches too closely, they explode into a zig-zagging sprint that can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Interestingly, they are also capable of swimming and climbing low-hanging tree branches to escape floods or reach better forage.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of the Desert Cottontail, camera placement is everything. You should mount your camera very low to the ground—ideally no more than 12 to 18 inches high. Angle the lens slightly downward to ensure you aren't just catching the tips of their ears. Because they are crepuscular, pay close attention to the dynamic range of your camera; early morning and late evening light can create harsh shadows in the desert, so try to face your camera north or south to avoid direct sun flare during their peak activity hours.

Look for 'edge' habitats in your yard. Cottontails rarely venture into the middle of a wide-open lawn. Instead, place your camera along the perimeter of dense bushes, woodpiles, or rock walls. Look for 'runs'—small, faint paths in the grass or dirt—and set your camera to face down the length of the path. If you find a spot with small, pea-sized droppings, that is a prime location for a multi-day capture session.

Since Desert Cottontails move in quick bursts followed by long periods of standing still, set your camera to video mode with a 10 to 15-second duration. A fast trigger speed (under 0.5 seconds) is essential; otherwise, you may only catch a glimpse of a white tail disappearing out of the frame. Use a high PIR (Passive Infrared) sensitivity setting so the camera detects these small mammals even if they aren't right in front of the lens.

In the heat of the summer, a shallow water dish is the ultimate lure for a Desert Cottontail. Place the dish in a shaded spot near cover and point your camera there. You will not only see them drinking but often grooming or resting nearby. If you prefer to use food as a lure, a small pile of fresh clover or dandelion greens can keep them stationary in front of the lens long enough for a great shot, though naturally occurring vegetation is always the best way to witness natural behavior.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Desert Cottontail.

Eastern Cottontail

The Eastern Cottontail has shorter ears, a slightly darker/redder coat, and prefers more humid, wooded environments.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit

Much larger with massive, black-tipped ears and very long legs; they prefer open flats over dense brush cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Desert Cottontail are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This timing helps them avoid the intense midday heat and stay hidden from many daytime predators.

You can attract them by providing 'soft cover' such as brush piles, tall native grasses, or dense shrubbery. In dry climates, a reliable water source like a ground-level birdbath is an excellent attractant.

Their diet consists of a wide variety of desert plants including grasses, mesquite beans, and succulents. In suburban yards, they are fond of clover, dandelions, and garden vegetables.

Yes, they are highly adaptable and frequently live in suburban neighborhoods, especially those with xeriscaping or proximity to open desert or parklands.

They are distinguished from the Eastern Cottontail by their much larger, sparsely haired ears and paler color. They are significantly smaller than jackrabbits and have shorter legs and a more rounded body shape.

Record Desert Cottontail at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo