A pika (/ ˈ p aɪ k ə / PY-kə, [3] or / ˈ p iː k ə / PEE-kə) [4] is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal native to Asia and North America. With short limbs, a very round body, an even coat of fur, and no external tail, they resemble their close relative the rabbit , but with short, rounded ears. [ 5 ]

The American pika is a comparatively smaller and cuter relative of the lagomorph family of hares and rabbits. These innocent mountain rodents thrive best in cold climates and prefer to dwell in high altitude mountains and alpine meadows especially of the American west.

Oct 24, 2024 · Pikas are small, rodent -like mammals found exclusively in the mountains of Asia and North America. They comprise the family Ochotonidae, one of the two extant families of lagomorphs, the other being Leporidae (rabbits and hares).

The American pika is diurnal, or active in the day. It spends most of the day foraging for food; guarding its territory; watching for predators like eagles, hawks, coyotes , bobcats , foxes, and weasels and sunning itself on the rocks.

American pikas are small, rodent-like mammals. Pikas have short, stout bodies with big, round ears and do not have a visible tail. Pikas reach a size of about seven to eight inches (18 to 20 centimeters) in length. The American pika has a brown and black coloration, which is meant to camouflage them among rocks.

American pika carrying forget-me-not flowers and grass to store for winter food in Cawridge, Alberta, Canada. The American pika (Ochotona princeps), a diurnal species of pika, is found in the mountains of western North America, usually in boulder fields at or above the tree line. They are herbivorous, smaller relatives of rabbits and hares. [6]

Aug 22, 2023 · Keep reading to discover 10 incredible Pika facts! 1. They Are Related to Rabbits. The American pika, though frequently mistaken for a mouse, is actually the tiniest member of the rabbit family. The taxonomic order Lagomorpha, which also comprises hares and rabbits, includes the little American Pika.

Ochotonidae is a family of small mammals in the order Lagomorpha. A member of this family is called an ochotonid or, colloquially, a pika. They are widespread throughout Asia and western North America, and are generally found in grassland, shrubland, and rocky biomes.

Feb 24, 2025 · Despite their size, these little animals have a wealth of interesting characteristics and behaviors that make them truly fascinating. Found primarily in cold, mountainous regions, pikas are known for their resilience and unique adaptations to their challenging environments.

Non-talus dwelling pikas are found in a va­ri­ety of veg­e­tated habi­tats where they for­age and pro­duce bur­rows. The mead­ows they oc­cupy are also typ­i­cally at high el­e­va­tion.