Here are some amphibians (and their sounds) commonly found in Lexington

Male frogs and toads vocalize by vibrating air in their throats. This sound is made louder by bubblelike pouches. The sound helps females of the same species find a male. It also is used to warn other males to keep away. Wood frog calls can be heard as early as mid- March, on the night of the first warm (above 40 degrees) spring rain, when these frogs breed, followed soon thereafter by spring peepers. Spotted salamanders breed about the same time and in the same pools as the wood frogs.

Because there are so many different kinds of frogs, each species must have its own distinct call in order to attract the right mates. In fact, frogs' ears are specially "tuned" to absorb the sound of the call of their particular species.

Other Resources on the Internet

Learn About Frogs and their Sounds

Sounds of Some Common Frogs in Lexington (requires RealPlayer)

Signs of Spring

Wood Frog Call

National Frog Survey

All About Frogs (kid friendly)

A Thousand Friends of Frogs

Last update: 03-20-01/mgl