The pika, a cousin of the rabbit, is a small chinchilla-like animal, with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tail. The name
pika is used for any member of the Ochotonidae, a family within the order of lagomorphs, which also includes the Leporidae.
One genus, Ochotona, is recognised within the family, and it includes 30 species. Pikas are also called rock rabbits or coneys.
It is also known as the "whistling hare" due to its high-pitched alarm call when diving into its burrow.