Tree Frogs in Michigan: 6 Species You May Encounter

Michigan’s diverse ecosystems provide ideal habitats for many types of frogs and toads. Tree frogs are a fascinating group found throughout the state. With over 11,000 inland lakes thousands of miles of rivers and streams and extensive forests, Michigan offers plenty of suitable homes for these tiny amphibians.

In this article, we’ll explore the 6 species of tree frogs living in Michigan, how to identify them by sight and sound, and some interesting facts about their behaviors and habitats

Overview of Tree Frogs in Michigan

All 6 species of tree frogs found in Michigan belong to the hylid family. They are:

• Blanchard’s Cricket Frog
• Gray Tree Frog
• Cope’s Gray Tree Frog
• Spring Peeper
• Western Chorus Frog
• Boreal Chorus Frog

These frogs are small, often well under 2 inches long. Most have rough, warty skin and large toe pads that help them climb and grip onto vegetation.

Their habitats center around water – lakes, ponds, marshes, streams, and wetlands. Tree frogs depend on water to breed and lay eggs. Some species are very aquatic while others prefer damp woods and forests.

One defining feature of tree frogs is their loud calls, produced mostly by males during breeding season. Their vocalizations help attract mates and defend territories.

Below we’ll cover identification, distribution, habitat, and behaviors of Michigan’s tree frogs.

Blanchard’s Cricket Frog

The Blanchard’s cricket frog is a small, warty, brownish tree frog reaching about 1.5 inches long. Key features include:

• Broad light stripe down the back
• Dark triangle between eyes
• Green/black/red patterns

They are found throughout southern Michigan. These frogs stick close to water bodies like ponds and lakes and are considered non-climbing tree frogs.

Their call sounds like clicking marbles. They call loudly in evenings and night during breeding season. Blanchard’s cricket frogs eat small insects, spiders, and snails.

Gray Tree Frog

There are two species of gray tree frogs in Michigan – the Eastern gray tree frog and Cope’s gray tree frog. They are nearly impossible to distinguish visually. Gray tree frogs can change color from gray to green to brown to match their surroundings.

Some ways to identify them:

• Females have white throats, males have dark or gray throats
• Grow up to 2 inches long
• Rough, warty skin with large toe pads
• Live in trees, rarely descending except to breed

Their habitat includes forests and woodlands near fresh water. Gray tree frogs eat insects, spiders, and smaller frogs.

Their call is a rapid trill or musical whistle. Eastern grays pulse faster, up to 34 times per second when warm.

Spring Peeper

The small spring peeper grows to only about 1 inch long. They are brown, gray or tan with a distinct X marking on their backs. Key features:

• X marking on back
• Dark V between eyes
• Yellow/white belly

Spring peepers live in wooded areas and wetlands. Outside of breeding season they move upland to forests.

Males make a loud, high-pitched “peep” call that can be heard for miles. Their chorus sounds like sleigh bells. They call day and night early in spring.

Spring peepers eat small insects, spiders, and invertebrates. They are difficult to spot outside of breeding season due to their small size.

Western Chorus Frog

The tiny western chorus frog reaches just 1 inch in length. They vary from gray to brown to reddish with 3 distinct stripes down their backs. Identifying features:

• 3 stripes down the back
• Small size
• Rough, warty skin

They prefer wet wooded areas, marshes, ponds and meadows. Western chorus frogs hide under leaf litter, rocks or logs when inactive.

Their call is a raspy, rattling “creeek” that lasts about 1 second. It sounds like running a finger along the teeth of a comb. Males call from wetland vegetation to attract females.

Boreal Chorus Frog

The boreal chorus frog is small like its cousin, the western chorus. It has faint dorsal stripes down its brown, green or gray body and a dark band between the eyes.

Boreal chorus frogs stick close to permanent water bodies like lakes and cleared forests. Their call sounds like someone running a fingernail over a comb – a short, raspy “reeeek.”

They are uncommon in Michigan and found mainly on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Their range overlaps with the western chorus frog.

Habitats, Behaviors and Threats

Though called tree frogs, most species actually spend more time on the ground and in wetland vegetation than climbing in trees. However, their toe pads make them excellent climbers.

Trees and shrubs near fresh water provide food, shelter, and places for calling. Some tree frogs even lay eggs in flooded woodlands. Most breed in early spring after emerging from winter hibernation.

Since they have highly permeable skin, tree frogs rely on moist habitats. During dry periods they seek out wet leaves, damp burrows, tree holes or muddy ponds.

Major threats to Michigan’s tree frogs include:

• Habitat destruction – wetland drainage and deforestation
• Pesticides and pollution
• Invasive species competing for resources
• Climate change and drought

Protecting and restoring wetland and riparian buffers is crucial for conserving native tree frogs in Michigan’s ecosystems. Homeowners can also help by providing frog-friendly habitat in their yards.

Enjoying Michigan’s Tree Frogs

Tree frogs bring life to Michigan’s long spring and summer evenings with their loud choruses and calls. Take time to explore parks and nature trails near wetlands and ponds after dusk and you’re likely to spot or hear these tiny amphibians.

Their diversity reflects the varied landscapes they inhabit – from Isle Royale to the northern forested wetlands to southern marshes and meadows. Protecting water quality and habitat connectivity will enable tree frogs to thrive for generations.