Definition

Noun: 1. A small mammal of the pika family: The collared pika (Ochotona collaris) is a small, herbivorous mammal similar to a rabbit, characterized by its rounded body, short limbs, and lack of a visible tail. It is named for the pale grayish "collar" of fur around its neck and shoulders.

Usage Notes

• The term "collared pika" is a specific common name for the species . It is a countable noun (e.g., , ).
• It is primarily used in biological, zoological, and ecological contexts when discussing North American wildlife.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The collared pika stores piles of vegetation, called "haypiles," to survive the long alpine winter.
  • Researchers are studying how climate change affects the habitat of the collared pika.
  • We spotted a collared pika sunning itself on a rock in the Alaska Range.

Advanced Usage

• The collared pika is often discussed in relation to its close relative, the American pika (), with which it shares many behavioral traits but has a different geographic range.

Variants and Related Words

• Pika (n): The general term for any member of the family Ochotonidae, which includes the collared pika.
• Ochotona collaris (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the collared pika.

Synonyms

• Rock rabbit (n): A general, informal name sometimes used for pikas due to their habitat and appearance. (Note: This is less specific than "collared pika").

Different Meanings / Clarification

• The reference context states it is "similar to little chief hare and may be same species." This reflects historical taxonomic discussion. The "little chief hare" is an old common name for the American pika (). Modern taxonomy classifies the collared pika as a distinct, separate species from the American pika, though they are very similar.

Noun

1. similar to little chief hare and may be same species