American Pika vs Northern Pika
How does the American Pika compare to the Northern Pika? They are both members of the Ochotonidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Ochotona princeps
- Ochotona hyperborea
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Ochotonidae
- Ochotonidae
- Habitat
- Mountainous talus slopes and alpine meadows
- Mountainous rocky slopes and talus fields
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Herbivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 3-7 years
- 3-7 years
- Weight
- 120-170 grams
- 100-200 grams
American Pika vs Northern Pika: who would win?

American Pika
120-170 grams

Northern Pika
100-200 grams
Too close to call speculative confidence
American Pika and Northern Pika are closely matched on both size (120-170 grams vs 100-200 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Ochotonidae family.
- Both have a herbivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Mountainous talus slopes and alpine meadows vs Mountainous rocky slopes and talus fields.
- Weight: 120-170 grams vs 100-200 grams.
American Pika vs Northern Pika: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a American Pika or a Northern Pika?
Too close to call. American Pika and Northern Pika are closely matched on both size (120-170 grams vs 100-200 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a American Pika and a Northern Pika?
American Pika and Northern Pika differ in several ways — habitat: mountainous talus slopes and alpine meadows vs mountainous rocky slopes and talus fields. weight: 120-170 grams vs 100-200 grams.
Do American Pika and Northern Pika live in the same habitat?
No — American Pika lives in mountainous talus slopes and alpine meadows, while Northern Pika is found in mountainous rocky slopes and talus fields.
What do American Pika and Northern Pika eat?
Both American Pika and Northern Pika have a herbivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the American Pika or the Northern Pika?
American Pika is listed as Least Concern, while Northern Pika is listed as Least Concern.
How big are American Pika and Northern Pika?
American Pika weighs around 120-170 grams, while Northern Pika weighs around 100-200 grams.

Full profile
American Pika

Full profile
Northern Pika

