A
pika ( ; archaically spelled
pica) is a small
mammal, with short limbs, very round body, rounded ears, and no external tail. The name "pika" is used for any member of the
Ochotonidae, a
family within the
order of
lagomorphs, which also includes the
Leporidae (
rabbits and
hares). One genus,
Ochotona, is recognised within the family, and it includes 30 species. It is also known as the "whistling hare" due to its high-pitched
alarm call when diving into its burrow. In the United States, the pika is colloquially called a "coney", a nonspecific term also used for
rabbits,
hares and
hyraxes. The name "pika" appears to be derived from the
Tungus piika.
