The pika's "buried" tail is longer relative to body size compared to other lagomorphs. The ears are moderately large and suborbicular, and are hairy on both surfaces, normally dark with white margins. It has densely furred soles on its feet except for black pads at the ends of the toes. The hind legs of the pika do not seem to be much longer than its front legs and its hind feet are relatively short when compared to most other lagomorphs. The American pika is intermediate in size among pikas. In populations with sexual dimorphism, males are slightly larger than females. Their hind feet range from 25 to 35 mm (1–1½ in). Their body lengths range from 162 to 216 mm (6.4 to 8.5 in). Īmerican pikas, known in the 19th century as "little Chief hares", have a small, round, ovate body. Currently the American pika is considered a species of least concern and is still common in the northwestern United States and Canada. Recent studies suggest populations in the southwest United States are declining due to habitat loss and global warming. Predators of the pika include eagles, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and weasels. Pikas are vocal, using both calls and songs to warn when predators are nearby and during the breeding season. Pikas have two different ways of foraging they either directly consume food or they cache food in piles for the winter (haying). They are herbivorous, smaller relatives of rabbits and hares. 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. ![]() American pika carrying forget-me-not flowers and grass to build its nest in Cawridge, Alberta, Canada
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