The Frog Lady

***This post is a part of my series where this year I will be highlighting all of the different states native frogs and toads.  Check out this page to see all of the United State’s native frogs broken down by state. ***

Here are the frogs  and Toads that can be found in California:

American BullFrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

The American Bullfrog is the largest frog in North America. They can grow up to 8″ in length and weigh up to 1.5 pounds.  The bullfrog is unique as it can be found in freshwater ponds, lakes and marshes throughout Canada, United States and as far south as Mexico and Cuba.  They are typically green or gray-brown with brown spots. They are currently found in many low elevation areas and live in lakes, ponds generally in the water or on the shoreline. It very aggressively competes for food and living space with native frogs. The bullfrog was introduced into California several times and is now widespread and common across the state. It is still absent from the high Sierra with few populations above 4,026 ft. In the desert regions, they occur along the Mojave and Colorado rivers and in areas where irrigation creates a suitable environment.

The bullfrog will breed and lay eggs from March – July. It has a very deep call which resembles the mooing of a cow.  Watch the video below to hear!  Both genders of the bullfrog croak.  Their calls may be heard day or night. 

Arroyo Toad (Anaxyrus californicus)

The Arroyo Toad typically has a greenish, gray or salmon coloring with a light stripe across the head and eyelids. It is very stocky toad with very warty skin and horizontal pupils. It is nocturnal and prefers sandy or cobbly washes with swift currents. Within California, they are found within the southern part of the coastal ranges from northern San Luis Obispo county south to Baja California.

Breeding season is typically between March & July with the female laying tangled strings of eggs in the water. Listen to the males call below. The Arroyo toad is listed as an endangered species and it is thought that there are less than 3,000 left in the breeding population.

Baja California treefrog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca)

The Baja California treefrog can reach 2″ in length. They are typically brown or green with spots/blotches and a dark stripe across their eyes. This frog occurs along the river edges which are grown over with cattails. This species can be found from Santa Barbara and Kern counties, south through the Tehachapis and south coast ranges, along the coast from Santa Barbara through San Diego counties. There are also isolated populations in the mountains within Inyo and San Bernardino counties as well as along the Colorado River.

Male Baja California treefrogs are very territorial and will engage in wresting and butting matches with other males. Breeding occurs in January through July. Their call is a distinctive “krek-ek” call which is commonly heard in Hollywood movies. Listen to it below!

Baja California treefrog call

Black Toad (Anaxyrus exsul)

The black toad has black skin which is covered with cream colored speckles and a white line from its spine to butt. It will reach 2″ in length and can be found near springs, water courses and marshes. It only occurs within Deep Springs Valley between the White and Inyo Mountains in Inyo county between 5000 and 52000 ft.

Breeding occurs between March and April with metamorphosis before June. Males do not have a vocal sac and will instead make a small territorial chirping noise when disturbed. The black toad is listed as a vulnerable species, although it is plentiful within its small range.

California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii)

The California red-legged frog can range from 1.5″ to 5″ in length making it the largest native frog in California. It can be have reddish or salmon hind legs with a brown, gray, olive or reddish brown back color. They can be found in quiet pools, streams and marshes along the coast ranges from Mendocino county south and in portions of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades ranges, below 4000 ft.

Population of the California Red-Legged Frog has dwindled due to human activities and introduction of bullfrogs and sunfish. Breeding occurs between January and July in the south and March to July in the north. Males will defend this space during the breeding season. Listen to their calls below.

California treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina)

The California treefrog typically has a gray to brown with dark brown to green spots with short slender arms and unwebbed fingers. They can be found in rocky, mountain streams of coastal southern California from central San Luis Obispo county south to the Mexican border. It can be common in quiet, shaded pools.

Breeding will occur from March to May. The male will call or engage in physical combat to defend his small territory. Listen to the male’s call below:

Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae)

The Cascades frog is green or brown with black spots and a yellow stomach. They have a dark mask with a white jaw stripe. It prefers quiet water sources including ponds, lakes marshes or slow moving streams. They will stay near the water except when it is really humid out. One unique thing is their skin secretes an antimicrobial substance which will help to protect against unwanted infections or pests. In California, it is found in two locations; Siskiyou county and futher south near Lassen Peak. It is typically found between 750 ft – 82000 ft of elevation.

The breeding season is between late May to mid-August, but may be as early as March if the ambient temperature is warm enough. Eggs will be found near shore and are clumped together. The cascades frog will hibernate during winter and has been found buried into mud in up to 1′ deep of water.

Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)

The coastal tailed frog’s skin color matches the rocks they live in and can be brown, gray, green, red or yellow. They have a dark colored eye stripe and a triangle on their nose. They are called the tailed frog as they have a tail which serves as their reproductive organ. They are considered uncommon, but they are actually common throughout their range by experienced observers. They are known from Del Norte, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Tehama and Mendocino counties.

The coastal tailed frog lives in rocky, cold streams and montane hardwood-conifer habitats. Their closest living relatives are in New Zealand and they can live up to 20 years! These frogs breathe mostly through their skin which allows their lung size to be reduced which helps to limit their buoyancy in water. Breeding occurs in early fall, but pairs may be clasped together at any time of the year. Unlike most frogs, they are not known to be vocal.

Columbia Spotted frog (Rana luteiventris)

The Columbia Spotted frog has slightly bumpy skin that is smooth and moist.  They are typically brown or olive color with irregular spots.  They are known for their lower abdomen being bright salmon or a red color.  This frog is high aquatic and can rarely be found far from a permanent water source.  Below is the range of the Columbia spotted frog. In California, they are found in Modoc county.

These frogs were originally thought to hibernate all winter in mud under water, however there is evidence that they move around under the ice in winter. The call of the columbia spotted frog is a clucking noise and sounds like the clicking of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.  Listen to the video below and around 52 seconds you can hear the frog calling.

Couch’s Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii)

The couch’s spadefoot has a dull yellow to greenish yellow coloring with brown-black spots and can reach up to 3″ in length.  They can be found in areas with prairie grassland and breed in pools and ponds filled by heavy rain.  In California, they are found in the Southeastern portion along the Arizona border in Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. They can be found between 690 – 1120 ft.

Couch’s spadefoot has a yeow croaking call. They are opportunistic breeders and will only breed during and after the onset of warm rains in the spring and summer. Eggs will hatch in less than 8 hours.

Foothill yellow legged frog (Rana boylii)

The foothill yellow legged frog is gray or brown with yellow underbellies and thighs. They have a grainy texture which allows them to camouflage with rocks. This frog lives along the edges of streams and rivers that have a rocky bed. They prefer slow moving and quiet areas. In California, they can be found in the coast ranges from the oregon border south to the Transverse Mountains in Los Angeles county, in most of the northern California west of the Cascade crest and along the western side of the Sierra south to Kern county between sea level and 6,370 ft. There is also an isolated population in San Joaquin county on the floor of the central valley and in the mountains of Los Angeles county.

Males are very territorial during breeding season and will fight off other males. The call for this frog is rarely heard as it typically calls underwater, however it consists of one faint raspy note, along with a series of raspy 4-6 notes per second. These are sometimes paired with grunts and oinks.

Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana)

The Great Basin spadefoot has a vertical pupil unlike most other toads which have horizontal pupils.  They can be greenish, gray or brown with a scattering of darker spots and blotches.  Each spadefoot has a wedge shaped digging spade on their hind feet, hence the name.  In California, they can be found east of the Sierra-Cascade crest from the Oregon border south to Inyo county. They may be locally common but seldom seen as they spend most of their life buried under the soil.

Breeding season is from May – August after heavy spring or summer rain. The eggs hatch within a few days and tadpoles complete metamorphosis in a month. Their call is a very nasal waaaaa sound.  Listen to it below:

Great Plains Toad (Anaxyrus cognatus)

The great plains toad has numerous warts and prominent ridges on its head.  The females will can reach 4.5″ with males being less.  The great plains toad are very uncommon, however if it was to be found it would be located in the southeastern portion of California, from Imperial County north to the extreme eastern portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and in the Salton Basin. They burrow well in loose soil and are found at night roadside or in ditches where insects are bountiful.

A female great plains toad will lay up to 20,000 eggs.  The male great plains toad has a long trill call that lasts 20-50 seconds long and can vary depending on the size of the male and the temperature.  Some people have compared this toad’s call to a jackhammer, but go ahead and listen to it for yourself below:

Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)

The Northern Leopard frog has 2-3 unevenly spaced rows of irregular oval shaped dots on its back.  These frogs are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they will eat anything that fits in their mouth including beetles, ants, smaller frogs – including their own species, birds and even garter snakes.  They hibernate underwater in the winter. The northern leopard frog is very localized within California and can be found along the Colorado river along with other permanent and semi-permanent water sources.

Breeding occurs between December and June. It’s call is like a low and rumbling snore and grunt sound.   It has also been known to scream loudly when grasped or frightened by a predator.  Listen below to their call.

Northern Red-Legged Frog (Rana aurora)

These frogs are red to brownish coloring & can sometimes be found with black splotches and flecks of colors.  The Northern Red Legged frog produces a call underwater which requires the female to be close to the calling male in order to hear it.  When grabbed by predators, such as a garter snake, the Northern Red Legged frog will release a loud and startling scream. These frogs are typically found in humid forests, woodlands, grasslands and streamsides.  They will breed in any permanent water sources such as lakes, ponds, slow streams and marshes. In California, they can be found along the coast ranges from Del Norte county to Mendocino county usually below 4000 ft.

The breeding period for the Northern Red Legged frog is very short; typically only 1-2 weeks sometime between January to July. They need cool water for breeding and have been known to start breeding before the water has completely thawed from winter. Listen to their call below.  

Oregon Spotted frog (Rana pretiosa)

The Oregon spotted frog is light brown or green skin with dark spots that are lighter in the center. The stomach and undersides of hind legs are red. They prefer marshes, wetlands and ponds that have slow moving quiet water. Within California, they can be found in the northeastern portion of the state at elevations between 3200 ft – 4800 ft.

The Oregon spotted frog’s breeding season is March – July. In winter, they will hibernate in mud which is up to a foot of water deep.

Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla)

Adult pacific treefrogs have a dark band extending from the shoulder to the nostril.  The frogs back color may vary between green, brown, gray, reddish or bronze.  Frogs may reach 2″ in length.  The pacific treefrog may be found on ground or in low shrubs, dense vegetation and under rocks.  In California, it can be found in the northwestern corner of the state.

Breeding occurs between January and July. The pacific treefrog has a two part Kreek-eeck call.  Listen to it below:

Red Spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

The red-spotted toad is unique due to its gray or brown coloring and red/orange warts.  They can reach 3″ in length and can be found in rocky canyons and streams or burrowing under rocks.  Typically found in the southeastern portion of California from Inyo county to Mexico.

The red-spotted toad has an unusually high pitched trill which can last 3-12 seconds.  During the breeding season, March – September, the males throat color may darken.

Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri)

The Rio Grande leopard frog has smooth pale brown or green skin with several rows of irregular placed dark spots and a light line along the upper jaw. During the day, they will burrow into the ground to avoid the heat of the sun. It can be found in the extreme southeastern corner of California.

Breeding will take place year-round on days with ample rainfall. Egg masses are laid in the water, attached to vegetation. Listen to their call below.

Sierra Nevada Yellow Legged Frog (Rana sierrae)

The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog measures between 1.5-3.25″ with females being larger than males. They have a mix of brown and yellow coloring, but can also be grey, red or greenish-brown with dark spots and splotches which can make it appear camouflaged. The belly and underside of their legs are yellow or light-orange, hence where its name comes from. At an elevation of 4,500 ft- 12,000 ft, these frogs can be found in lakes, ponds, meadows and marshes. They occupy within the Sierra Nevada from Plumas county to Fresno county.

If startled, these frogs can produce a mink or garlic like odor to ward off predators. These frogs do not have a vocal sack, but they can vocalize a flat clicking sound. Breeding will occur between June to August.

Sierran Treefrog (Pseudacris sierra)

The Sierran treefrog color varies by genetics and season, but they are typically mottled with green, reddish, tan, gray or brown. They often have a dark brown eyestrip present as well and can reach up to 2″ in length. They can be found at elevations above 11,000 ft in the Sierra Nevada. Molecular testing has been done to determine that this species is separate from both the Pacific chorus frog and the Baja California chorus frog.

The Sierran treefrog will breed between January and July with the female laying eggs in numerous clusters of 25 eggs, reaching up to 700 eggs total. Listen to the males call below.

Sonoran Desert Toad (Incilius alvarius)

The Sonoran Desert toad can grow up to 7.5″ in length and typically have smooth olive-green/brown skin. This toad prefers semi-desert grasslands and woodlands up to 5,800 feet. Within California, it can be found in the lower Colorado River and the irrigated lowlands of the extreme southeast portion of Imperial County.

Breeding will take place on 1 night within 2-3 days of a 1″ rainfall event. They will use ponds, cattle tanks or backwaters to breed within. The males call is similar to a short ferry boat whistle. Listen to it below!

Southern Mountain yellow legged frog (Rana muscosa)

The southern mountain yellow legged frog is federally listed as an endangered species. It is yellowish, brownish or olive with black and brown markings and light orange or yellow thighs. Muscosa is latin meaning “mossy” which was inspired by its coloring. Southern mountain yellow legged frogs can be found in mountain creeks, lakes and lakeshores, streams and pools in sunny areas. It will hardly stray from water for any length of time and can remain underwater for a very long time thanks to its cutaneous respiration. Within California, they can be found in Sierra Nevada from Fresno county to Kern county as shown on the map below.

When handled the southern mountain yellow legged frog will emit a defensive garlic smelling odor. Females lay eggs in shallow water attached to gravel or rocks. Reproduction will take place between June to August at higher elevations and March to May in the southern ranges. This frog lacks a vocal sac so its call is raspy with a slight rise at the end.

Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii)

The western spadefoot is a smooth skinned species of the American spadefoot toad with green or grey coloring and tubercles tipped in orange, whitish stomach and vertical pupils. It can range between 1.5-3″ in length. They can be found in grasslands and oak woodlands. It is nocturnal so it is rarely seen, however it is locally common. Within California, they can be found in the Central Valley and adjacent foothills.

Reproduction will occur between late winter to end of March. Females will lay numerous small clusters, each containing between 10-42 eggs; typically a female will lay more than 500 eggs in one season. Eggs hatch very quickly taking 2 weeks or less as they fight to transform into a toad before the puddle dries up.

https://collections.lib.utah.edu/details?id=1117817&page=3&facet_setname_s=uu_wss

Western Toad (Bufo boreas)

The western toad is chunky, with short legs and numerous warts (it is a toad after all).  It can vary in color from brown to green or gray with white and dark mottling on its tummy.  There is a conspicuous light colored stripe running down the middle of its back.  Their back feet have 2 large rubbery knobs on the heel which they use for digging.  The western toad is quite common and can be found everywhere except the highest mountains and deserts within the state of California.

When handled, the toad may emit a twittery sound, puff up and urinate.  These toads are active during daylight hours and are much more active during damp weather.  Breeding season is from January through July. Their call is a soft birdlike clucking call.  Listen to it in the video below. 

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

Woodhouse’s toad can vary in color from yellowish brown to greenish grey with a light stripe down the middle of its back and can reach up to 5″ in length with the males being smaller than females.  These toads can be found primarily in deep soils in river valleys and flood plains.  They burrow into soil to escape drought and cold.  Woodhouse’s toad can be found in the extreme southeastern part of California.

These toads breed from March to August in marshes, rain pools and other areas lacking strong current.  This toad’s call is a loud wahhhhhh lasting between 1-4 seconds and emitted several times a minute. It has been compared to the sound of a sheep. This toad can secrete a white toxin that can cause nausea and irregular heart beats if ingested.

Yosemite Toad (Anaxyrus canorus)

The Yosemite toad is similar to the Western Toad, however the Yosemite toad has adapted to the high elevations (between 6400-11,320 ft). It can typically be found in wet meadows, but also occurs in seasonal ponds within conifer forests. Within California, it is limited to the central high Sierra, from El Dorado county south to near Kaiser pass, Fresno county.

Reproduction occurs between mid-April to mid-July. Males will arrive at the breeding site a few days before females. Females may not breed every year, as the average clutch size is 8,000 eggs which are laid in clusters. Listen to the males call below:

Thanks for reading! Check out all of the state’s native frogs and toads here.

Photo Credits:

Cover photo used by the creative commons license.  Text was added.  See Original photo by Michael Schweppe here.

1. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Brian Gratwicke.  Original Photo Here.
2. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the public domain. Photo taken by Will Flaxington/ USFWS. Original Photo Here.
3. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Tom Benson.  Original Photo Here.
4. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Scott Trageser.  Original Photo Here.
5. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Charles (Chuck) Peterson.  Original Photo Here.
6. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by NPS/ Kristen Lalumiere.  Original Photo Here.
7. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Greg Schechter.  Original Photo Here.
8. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Ken-ichi Ueda.  Original Photo Here.
9. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Forest Service Northern Region.  Original Photo Here.
10. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Clinton & Charles Robertson.  Original Photo Here.
11. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Mathesont.  Original Photo Here.
12. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Kerry Matz.  Original Photo Here.
13. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Galactor.  Original Photo Here.
14. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Stanley Trauth.  Original Photo Here.
15. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by kqedquest.  Original Photo Here.
16. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Mid-Columbia River Refuges.  Original Photo Here.
17. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Francis Eatherington.  Original Photo Here.
18. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Lon & Queta.  Original Photo Here.
19. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by az3.  Original Photo Here.
20. Photo from Wikipedia Commons and used under the public domain license.  Photo by Devin Edmonds, USGS.  Original photo here.
21. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by David A. Hofmann.  Original Photo Here.
22. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Wildfeuer.  Original Photo Here.
23. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Isaac Chellman/ NPS.  Original Photo Here.
24. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Chris Brown USGS.  Original Photo Here.
25. Photo from Flickr and used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo by Oregon State University.  Original photo here.
26. Photo from Flickr Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by J.N. Stuart.  Original Photo Here.
27. Photo from Wikimedia Commons used under the Creative Commons license.  Photo taken by Maierpa.  Original Photo Here.

Like “The Frog Lady” on facebook or follow aapanaro on instagram to get some sneak peeks into the frog lady’s frog room!  

Subscribe by email for the latest updates or Join me on facebook and like “The Frog Lady” to get all the latest updates on your newsfeed.