Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
American pika
Scientific name: Ochotona princeps
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: OCHOTONIDAE
Group: Mammals
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 20 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 15.03-31.08
Gestation: 30 jours
Births: 01.03-30.06
Habitat:
Alpine rocky slopes and talus
Description:
The American pika is a small lagomorph mammal, 15–23 cm in length, with a stocky body, short limbs, and small rounded ears, covered in brownish-gray fur. It inhabits alpine rocky slopes and talus fields of North America, from British Columbia to New Mexico, at elevations of 1400–3800 m, feeding on mosses, grasses, and leaves.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Photograph the American pika early morning or late afternoon using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm from a concealed ground hide near rocks. Use a fast shutter speed (≥1/1000 s) to freeze its quick movements and a shallow depth of field to isolate it against the rocky background. Remain still and patient to avoid startling it.
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