Family Bufonidae – Toads

American toad (Bufo americanus)

American Toad

• Description: 2-4 1/4 inches; gray-brown to reddish with spots or variable mottling; prominent ridges on head.

• Distribution: Believed to occur in the northern 2/3 of the state.

• Breeding period: Late January to April or May.

• Breeding sites: Permanent and semi-permanent ponds and ditches.

• Voice: Slow, drawn-out trill about one-half octave lower than the southern toad.

• Comments: Recorded by Tom R. Johnson, staff herpetologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, in St. Louis County, Missouri.