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==Vocalization==
Pikas have distinct [[Animal language|calls]], which vary in duration. The call can be short and quick, a little longer and more drawn out or long songs. The short calls are an example of geographic variation. The pikas determine the appropriate time to make short calls by listening for cues for sound localization.<ref>{{Cite journal|title = Geographic Variation in Short Calls of Pikas (''Ochotona princeps'')|journal = Journal of Mammalogy|date = 1982-02-25|pages = 48–52|volume = 63|issue = 1|doi = 10.2307/1380670|first = Douglas A.|last = Conner|jstor = 1380670}}</ref> The calls are used for individual recognition, predator warning signals, territory defense, or as a way to attract potential mates.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Trefry|first1=Sarah A.|last2=Hik|first2=David S.|date=2009|title=Variation in pika (''Ochotona collaris, O. princeps'') vocalizations within and between populations|journal=Ecography|volume=33|issue=4|pages=784–795|doi=10.1111/j.1600-0587.2009.05589.x|doi-access=free}}</ref> There are also different calls depending on the season. In the spring the songs become more frequent during the breeding season. In late summer the vocalizations become short calls. Through various studies, the acoustic characteristics of the vocalizations can be a useful taxonomic tool.<ref>{{cite journal|title = Dialects in southern Rocky Mountain pikas, ''Ochotona princeps'' (Lagomorpha)|doi = 10.1016/S0003-3472(73)80050-8|volume=21|journal=Animal Behaviour|pages=124–137|year = 1973|last1 = Somers|first1 = Preston| issue=1 | bibcode=1973AnBeh..21..124S }}</ref>