Dwarf American Toad Scott County, Arkansas |
Here in Texas however it has a much more restricted range. It is only known from a few counties in north-eastern part of the state. It's range in Texas isn't fully understood because it is very difficult to distinguish from the more common Fowler's Toad.
I still haven't seen an American Toad in Texas :-( so these photos and this recording come from nearby Arkansas.
In many areas of the northeastern US, this is a common "yard toad". They are variable in general color ranging from brownish-black to bright reddish. They often have dark spots on their back. There is usually a light mid-dorsal stripe visible and a lighter stripe running from the tympanic membrane (ear) down towards the hind leg. These lighter stripes are sometimes obscured by the ground color.
American Toad Fairfield County, Connecticut |
American Toad North Carolina |
Dwarf American Toad Ouachita County, Arkansas |
They breed in spring into early summer. When they breed successfully, you can often find their distinctive helical strings of black eggs in nearby ponds and streams.
American Toad Eggs Scott County, Arkansas |
The call of the American Toad is a very long, high-pitched trill. It lasts from 5 seconds to over 30 seconds. The Dwarf American Toad subspecies has a slightly higher pitched call than the typical larger northeastern subspecies.
Here is an American Toad from the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas calling from the middle of a forest road low water crossing.
Here's a video shot by Tim Evans of that frog making its call.
© Chris Harrison 2017
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