American pika (Ochotona princeps) calling. Beartooth Mountains, Wyoming/Montana border. Summer. This photo was taken in alpine setting at around 11,000 feet (3350 meters) elevation. Most Americans say PIE-ka, but the rest of the world says PEE-ka, and makes the case for PEE-ka because it is (obviously) onomatopoeic of the pika's call. Pikas are vocal animals, and will use a sharp call or whistle to warn others of danger or to protect their territories from intrusion from other pikas.