Nest Building, Parturition, and Copulation in the Cottontail Rabbit

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Abstract
Observations of individually marked cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsii) confined in a large enclosure revealed 3 phases of nest-building activity excavation, lining with vegetation, and lining with fur. No apparent correlation existed between nest size and litter size in 12 nests. Parturition is described for 1st time. Hair from all parts of the body except the abdomen was used to line nests. The postparturient female was serviced by an attendant male soon after leaving the nest; successful copulation chases lasting 10 sec. to 7 min. were observed. Browsing is thought to be a displacement activity tending to reduce intraspecific strife. A relationship is suggested between nest building and the summer-to-winter molt.

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