biology question #3323

Ric Martin, a 26 year old male from Houston B.C. Canada asks on March 12, 2006,

Q:

Can someone tell me what Canadian frogs and toads are vocal? We have several types here, but they do not make a sound. And we love the sound of "croakers".
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the answer

Alton Harestad answered on March 14, 2006, A:

There are 3 species of toads and frogs in the Houston area of British Columbia.

1. Western toad (Bufo boreas). Does not have a mating call but will squawk a bit if you pick them up and they are agitated. According to Green and Campbell (1984) the males do have a mating call in some regions (e.g., Alberta) but not in BC.

2. Spotted frog (Rana pretiosa). Males have a breeding call and start calling very early in spring. Their call is low pitch and not very loud, more along the lines of quiet grunts. Hence, their calls do not carry long distances. You do not get the din that is so delightful with some of the other species in Canada.

3. Wood frog (Rana sylvatica). Males call early in spring during their mating season.

A good book for BC amphibians is Green, D. and R.W. Campbell. 1984. The amphibians of British Columbia. BC Provincial Museum Handbook 45. Prov. of BC, Victoria. I think this book has been revised and the new edition may be available.

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