American Toad (Bufo [Anaxyrus] americanus)
With the recent cold snap, aquatic and marine turtles have returned to slumber (brumation). Â Wetland frogs that had been in riotous clamor have become quiet. Â So, we were surprised yesterday when we discovered this American toad in a local bog. Â Rufus (the Turtle Dog) found the toad. Â She sniffed out the critter hiding in a clump of grass, and pointed her nose at the toad until she caught our attention. Â Rufus is quite the research assistant.
American Toad at SouthCoast Grassi Bog
The American toad (Bofu [Anaxyrus] americanus) is one of the more frequently seen amphibians whose habitat ranges throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Â They are sometimes called a “hop toad” and can reach a length of more than 4 inches. Â Adults are generally plump.
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American Toad Call
The American toad has a beautiful trilling call as illustrated in the YouTube video above.
American Toad Dorsal View
As described on the U.R.I. web site, the American toad has a large, wide head, short limbs and rough, warty skin. Â A light, narrow mid-dorsal stripe may be present, as illustrated in this photograph.
American Toad Ventral View
The ventral side is cream colored with small dark spots. Â Males have dark throats and females are significantly larger than males. Â Both factors indicate that this specimen is a female American toad.