The nomenclature surrounding small, wild members of the family Leporidae (rabbits and hares) is often confusing. Many people use the terms “rabbit” and “hare” interchangeably or incorrectly apply common names like “jackrabbit” to true rabbits. Understanding what wild rabbits are called requires looking beyond appearance to their biology and specific species classifications. Scientific terminology provides clear distinctions for these animals.
Clarifying the Rabbit vs. Hare Distinction
Both wild rabbits and hares are classified within the family Leporidae, but they belong to different genera and display differences in their reproductive strategies. The main biological difference lies in the state of their young at birth: altricial or precocial. Rabbits are altricial; their young, called kits, are born blind, hairless, and helpless, requiring a sheltered environment for survival.
To protect these kits, most true rabbits, such as the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), construct elaborate underground burrow systems known as warrens. Hares, in contrast, are precocial; their young, called leverets, are born fully furred, with their eyes open, and are capable of moving independently minutes after birth. This allows leverets to survive in the open, where hares typically give birth in a simple, shallow depression called a form, rather than a protective burrow.
Hares, belonging to the genus Lepus, are also physically distinct from true rabbits (Sylvilagus and Oryctolagus). Hares are generally larger, possessing longer ears and hind legs, optimized for high-speed running over open terrain. This biological separation means that animals commonly called “jackrabbits,” such as the Black-tailed Jackrabbit, are actually hares.
Common Names of Major Wild Species
The most globally recognized true wild rabbit is the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. This species is the ancestor of nearly all domestic rabbits worldwide. In the wild, it is known for its social nature and complex communal burrows. European rabbits are widespread across Europe and have become an invasive species in places like Australia.
In the Americas, the most common wild rabbits are the Cottontail species, belonging to the genus Sylvilagus, which includes over a dozen species. The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is the most ubiquitous example, ranging across the eastern two-thirds of the United States. This rabbit is identifiable by the distinct tuft of white fur on its tail, which gives the animal its common name.
Other true wild rabbits include the Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), found in the southeastern U.S., which is adapted to semi-aquatic environments and is a strong swimmer. The Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is the smallest rabbit species in North America, dependent on sagebrush for food and cover.
Terminology for Rabbit Social Groups and Life Stages
Wild rabbits have specific terms used to describe their social organization and life stages. A group of wild rabbits living together is most commonly referred to as a colony. The extensive network of underground tunnels and chambers inhabited by the European rabbit and some other species is specifically called a warren.
A male rabbit is known as a buck, while a female rabbit is called a doe. This terminology is shared with other mammals. The offspring are called kits or kittens, born after a gestation period averaging around 31 days.
The shallow, lined depression in which a doe gives birth is called a nest. Although most true rabbits use burrows, some species, particularly Cottontails, utilize a simple, camouflaged surface nest for their young. The collective noun “drove” is also occasionally used to describe a moving group of rabbits.