The coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable wild canid found across most of North America. Its physical appearance often sparks curiosity, especially when trying to differentiate it from other wildlife. This article addresses the specific inquiry about the coyote’s tail tip coloration and explains other unique tail features that aid in identification.
The Definitive Answer: Tail Tip Coloration
The tail tip of a coyote can be white, but this is not a universal characteristic. Most coyotes exhibit a tail that ends in a black or dark-colored tip, often described as looking like it has been dipped in black ink. The presence of a white tip is less common than the dark-tipped variation and varies depending on geography and genetics.
When a white tip is present, it results from depigmentation, where the guard hairs at the distal end of the tail lack color. This lighter coloration is not a reliable field mark for identifying the species, as coyotes may have black-tipped, white-tipped, or indistinctly colored tails. Conversely, the red fox is known for its long, bushy tail that almost always features a prominent white tip.
Understanding the Tail’s Dark Glandular Spot
A distinct feature present on nearly all coyotes is a prominent dark spot located on the dorsal side of the tail, positioned roughly one-quarter to one-third of the way down from the base. This dark patch is the location of the supracaudal gland, also known as the violet gland. The hair covering this gland is frequently coarser and darker than the surrounding fur, creating a distinct visual marker.
The supracaudal gland is a specialized organ that secretes a musky, oily substance used for intra-species communication and scent marking. Coyotes use this scent to leave messages for others, often by rubbing their upper tail against objects. This glandular spot is a much more consistent and defining visual feature of the coyote’s tail than the color of the tip.
Tail Comparison: Coyotes, Wolves, and Dogs
The tail offers important clues for distinguishing a coyote from a gray wolf (Canis lupus) or a domestic dog (Canis familiaris). The most reliable differentiator is tail posture, as coyotes typically carry their tail low, held straight down or slightly out, even when running. A coyote’s tail is not usually held high, curled over the back, or wagging vigorously like those seen on many domestic dogs.
Coyote tails are generally bushy and measure about 16 inches long, which is shorter in proportion to their body size compared to foxes. While a coyote’s tail appears thick, it is skinnier and less robust than the massive, bottle-brushed tail of a gray wolf. Wolves tend to carry their tails more horizontally, and their tails are often longer in absolute length than a coyote’s. Observation of the tail’s carriage and its relative length provides a more reliable method for field identification than focusing solely on the color of the tip.