Eight species of frogs and toads (seven frog and one toad species) have been confirmed in the Rouge River watershed. They are, listed by the order they appear and start calling in the spring, (click on the name for photo, species info and call):
Bullfrog
The state’s largest frog, the bullfrog, can grow up to 8 in. long and live up to 10 years. These frogs are not very common throughout the state and may be declining. They require permanent ponds for breeding and prefer abundant vegetation. Like all frogs and toads, they are predators, and their large size allows…
Green Frog
Green frogs are one of Michigan’s largest species, growing up to 6 in. long. They are widespread around the state where there are permanent ponds and can tolerate the widest variety of conditions of any anuran species. They have reportedly survived a dip in a highly chlorinated swimming pool. Often mistaken for bullfrogs, green frogs…
Eastern Gray Treefrog
There are two species of tree frogs in southeast Michigan; eastern gray tree frogs and Cope’s gray tree frogs. Visually there is no way to tell the two apart and the calls can sound very similar depending on weather conditions. Both species have the ability to change color and range from gray to bright green,…
American Toad
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,…
Northern Leopard Frog
Once abundant throughout the state, northern leopard frog populations have been declining since the 1970s. The year 2001 may be the beginning of a reversal of this trend. Results from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources statewide volunteer survey, Ann Arbor’s citywide survey, and the Rouge Watershed Frog and Toad Survey all show that this…
Northern Spring Peeper
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. The spring peeper “peeps” or jingles. When they…
Midland Chorus Frog
Sounds of the Midland Chorus Frog (on YouTube) Midland chorus frogs (formerly western chorus frog) are tiny frogs (0.75 – 1.5 in. long) found in open shallow vernal ponds. They can be distinguished from the northern spring peeper (our other very small frog) by the parallel stripes than run down the back. They are the…
Wood Frog
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:…
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