The barking tree frog (Dryophytes gratiosus) is one of the largest and most vocal tree frogs in North America. Native to the southeastern United States, this frog can be found in pine forests, wetlands, cypress swamps, and seasonal ponds. It prefers areas with lots of vegetation and standing water, where it can climb, call, and breed during the warm, rainy months. Despite its name and bold call, the barking tree frog is often a master of camouflage, blending easily into leaves and tree bark.

This frog is usually bright green to olive, often covered in dark spots or blotches, and it has a granular texture that helps it hide among leaves or on bark. Its large toe pads are excellent for climbing, allowing it to stick to smooth surfaces like leaves and tree trunks. The frog’s coloration can change with its surroundings or mood, shifting from vibrant green to darker shades to help with temperature regulation and camouflage.

One of the most charming features of the barking tree frog is its call — a deep, resonating “toonk” or “bark” that echoes through the night during the breeding season, especially after heavy rains. Males usually call from the edges of shallow water bodies, often floating or perched on vegetation. These frogs breed in temporary pools and ponds, where females lay large clumps of eggs. Tadpoles develop quickly, taking advantage of the short-lived water sources before they dry up.

The barking tree frog is an excellent weather predictor — their calls often increase right before rainfall, which has earned them the nickname “nature’s weather forecasters.” Although they spend a lot of time in trees or shrubs, during hot, dry weather, they often burrow underground or hide under logs to stay cool and moist — an unusual behavior for tree frogs.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

United States

LC

2021