The Virginia white tail (Ordocoileus Americanus) has, byfar, the greatest distribution. Their original habitat was allof the United States except the desert country of the Westand the west coast, all of Mexico and Central America andnorthward in Canada to the St. Lawrence, thence westwardbordering the height of land.
The principal distinguishing mark is the tail. This is about12 to 15 inches long and five to six inches wide. When it ishanging down, it has the general color of the rest of theanimal except that it is outlined with a margin of white. Itis shaped something like a chestnut leaf, terminating in apoint. When the tail is raised, exposing the underside, it iswhite; this, also, exposes the white flanks of the haunches.When the tail is raised, the animal can be seen for a greatdistance. The tail is commonly known as a flag and deer useit for signal purposes. See sketch on page 51.
