Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)       

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Wood frogs are found in deciduous, mature forests and use temporary, shallow ponds for breeding activities.   These frogs are medium sized (adults grow up to 3.25 in. long) and are recognized by the black line across their eyes that gives the appearance of being masked.  Females and males are easily distinguished by color and size:  females are large and red whereas males are small and gray. 

Wood frogs begin calling in the spring around April 1. They have the shortest window of breeding time for any Michigan frog or toad: - 1-2 weeks.  This is why they are known as "explosive breeders" and why surveyors often miss this species.   They are not shy and will call day or night.  The tadpoles also metamorphose quickly and froglets may be seen as early as mid-June in Michigan. 

If you think that frogs all say "ribbitt," listening to this species should clear that up. The call of the wood frog has been likened to the quacking of a duck or the clucking of a chicken.  

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)   

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Photo by: James Harding

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Western chorus frogs are the earliest species to begin calling in spring in Michigan and often are heard in March.  They prefer open shallow vernal ponds and call more vigorously during the day than at night.  They are a very small frog (0.75 - 1.5 in. long) and can be distinguished from the northern spring peeper by the parallel stripes than run down the back.

The call of the western chorus frog is a short, rising trill that has been likened to the sound made when one runs their thumb down a stiff pocket comb 

Northern Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) 

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Photo by: James Harding

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The spring peeper is Michigan's smallest frog  (0.75 - 1.38 in. long) but is also the loudest.  Peepers are found in brushy and woodland ponds and call most energetically at night.  They can be distinguished from the western chorus frog by the x-shaped mark on the back. 

It is easy to remember the call of the spring peeper since they call their own name- peep peep peep. The call has also been likened to a jingle bell.  When they are in full chorus, the sound can be unbearably loud and make it difficult to distinguish any other species, especially the western chorus frog. 

American Toad (Bufo americanus) 

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Photo by: James Harding

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The American toad is abundant all over the state and is the most commonly heard frog or toad species in the Rouge River Watershed. The size of the American Toad is from 2 to 4.37 inches long.  Toads are easily distinguished from frogs by their dry warty skin and their short back legs. If threatened, they can produce a noxious secretion from glands on their back.  Dogs who experience this seldom repeat the offence. 

Toads prefer ponds without thick vegetation to bump in to, as they are clumsy hoppers. They will use agricultural ponds, roadside ditches, and golf course ponds as long as fertilizers and pesticides are absent.  Toads can be found in suburban areas, often far from ponds during the non-breeding season.  The existence of small wetlands in these areas is crucial to maintaining these populations.  

American toads begin calling around April 15.  The call is a long trill, varying in pitch.