The common confusion surrounding the names for rabbits often leads people to wonder if a “bunny” is simply a baby rabbit. This question highlights a blend of scientific terminology and affectionate language. While “rabbit” is the formal name for the species, “bunny” is an informal, popular nickname. This article clarifies the precise biological and common terminology used for these small mammals, focusing on the correct designation for their young.
Clarifying Common Terminology
The term “bunny” is not a formal biological designation, but a colloquial term of endearment for a rabbit. It is frequently used for young or small rabbits, tracing its origins to the 17th century as a diminutive of “bun.” In casual conversation, especially when referring to pets, “rabbit” and “bunny” are often used interchangeably, regardless of the animal’s age.
The word “rabbit” is the scientifically recognized term for any member of the family Leporidae. Historically, “rabbit” once referred only to the young, while the adult was called a “coney,” a practice that changed by the 18th century. Today, an adult male rabbit is formally called a buck, and a female is a doe. The proper biological term for a young rabbit is a “kit.”
Characteristics of a Rabbit Kit
The formal term for a baby rabbit is a “kit” or “kitten.” Newborn kits are born in a highly vulnerable, altricial state, meaning they are completely dependent on their mother for survival. At birth, a kit is hairless, blind, and deaf, typically weighing between 30 to 100 grams. Their eyes and ears remain sealed for the first 10 to 12 days of life.
The mother rabbit, or doe, nurses her kits only once or twice a day, often for just five to ten minutes. This short feeding period is sufficient because rabbit milk is exceptionally rich in fat and protein. Kits begin to develop fur around two weeks of age and are typically weaned between four and six weeks old.
Differences Between Rabbits and Hares
Further confusion arises because rabbits are often mistaken for hares, which are separate species within the family Leporidae. The most distinct biological difference is seen in their young, which are born with different levels of development. Baby hares are known by the specific term “leverets.”
Leverets are born in a precocial state, meaning they are fully furred, have their eyes open, and are capable of moving around shortly after birth. This rapid development is necessary because hares do not live in protective burrows. Instead, they give birth in a shallow, above-ground nest called a “form.” In contrast, rabbits give birth to their altricial kits in a sheltered burrow or nest, where the young remain dependent for several weeks.