American Toad by Daniel McCall
Identifying the Frogs and Toads of North Carolina
Excerpts from an article by Dustin McCall
Most everyone has found a frog or toad in their back yard; however, few have endeavored to discover the identity of the species they have located. Identification may seem challenging at first, but a few simple guidelines will allow you to recognize a variety of species.
Toads are easily distinguished from frogs by their dry, warty skin and their short-hopping method of locomotion. In contrast, frogs have smooth, moist skin and their much longer hind legs allow them to achieve great distances in a single leap.
Of the four species of toads in this state, the American and the Fowler’s Toad are the most common. These large brown toads are frequently confused, but can be identified by their call. The American toad gives a high, musical trill for up to thirty seconds, while the call of the Fowler’s Toad is a short bleating that is likened to a sheep with a head cold.
Another pair often misidentified is the American Bullfrog and the Green Frog. Both of these species are similar in size and color, causing confusion about which frog has been found. Once you hear the deep "jug-o-rum" call of the Bullfrog, any doubt will be erased. It is one of the most identifiable noises in the animal kingdom and greatly differs from the banjo-like twang of the Green Frog.
The Spring Peeper is a beautiful example of a miniature tree frog. At only an inch long it is often overlooked, despite brilliant colors that range from lime green to bright orange. With so many color variations, the best way to differentiate this frog from others is the unique black lines that form the letter X on its back.
The most unusual species found in North Carolina are the Eastern Narrowmouth Toad and the Eastern Spadefoot. Narrowmouth toads are uniquely identifiable by their pointed snouts and the lack of the large mouth normally associated with members of the toad family. The Spadefoot also has a drastically different appearance from other species in our area. Each hind foot features a small, spade-like toe. This hardened appendage allows them to burrow into the ground. If seen, this rare toad should be observed and never handled. Many people have severe allergic reaction to the toxins it secretes.
I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in this topic to visit the local library or bookstore to locate a good field guide with recordings of the frog and toad calls in your area. In just a short time, you could be the expert of your neighborhood.
