What types of frogs are calling from our Illinois woodlands and wetlands this Spring?

Have you ever wondered who is making those sounds from your creek, pond, lake, woods, or backyard? You know it is a frog, but you aren’t sure which one?  This article might help you decipher the amphibian lingo and identify it! 

Why do frogs call or sing? Male frogs and toads call to attract a mate. During the spring, there are often large populations located in one area such as a pond, creek, or lake, and it can sound like a deafening chorus. 

How do frogs make those fabulous sounds? Frogs and toads create their unique sound by passing air through the larynx in the throat. The sound is amplified by vocal sacs that are membranes of skin under the throat that distend during the call. This amplifies the sound tremendously.

Time to speak frog! 

A Green Frog Sounds like someone plucking the strings on a banjo!  You can mimic this call by saying “Gungk Gung” in a low voice.  Photo by C.A. Phillips/Illinois Natural History Survey

The Spring Peeper sounds like tiny jingle bells ringing.  You can mimic this sound by saying “tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes” in your highest voice. Photo by A.R.Kuhns/Illinois Natural   History Survey

The Bull Frog sounds like a cow mooing.  Use your deepest and lowest voice and repeat “jug of rum” or “mashed potatoes” in a slow steady pace.  Photo by C.A. Phillips/Illinois Natural  History Survey

A Chorus Frog will sound like someone running their fingernail down the teeth of a comb. Try it at home!  Photo by Joe Taylor/Illinois Natural History Survey

A Cricket Frog sounds just like its name!  You can make a similar noise by putting a few marbles in your hand and clacking them against one another.  Photo Illinois Natural History Survey

You get the chance to sound like a duck while mimicking the noises the Wood Frog emits. Just repeat “Quack” over and over again. Photo by C.A. Phillips/Illinois Natural History Survey.

The squeaking noises produced by blowing up a balloon and rubbing your thumb down its edges sound very similar to the Leopard Frog.  Photo C.A. Phillips/Illinois Natural History Survey.

When you think you hear a bird from the treetops but you can’t locate your feathered friend you most likely have a Gray Tree Frog.  Photo by AJ Berger/Illinois Natural History Survey

Check out the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Education link below for more information on our amphibian friends of Illinois, as well as their distinctive calls. Enjoy making our own sounds of spring this season!

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/WFTFamilyHylidae.aspx

Do you have some additional questions for us? Remember you can email us at meo@illinois.edu, or call our University of Illinois County Extension Main Office at 815.224.0889. Please note that due to the COVID-19 epidemic, offices are closed until further notice.

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