As the season shifts towards warmer weather and longer days, many wildlife species emerge from hibernation and begin the search for food and mates. This emergence looks different across species, but for some it brings about heightened mobility, changes in seasonal behavior, and, for certain species, persistent vocalizations.
Few experiences rival the symphony of frog calls that accompany the arrival of spring in North Carolina. Highly adaptable animals, different species of frogs are prevalent in most bodies of water – from lake edges to backyard water fixtures to agricultural ponds.
However, these amphibious voices do not solely emanate from the frogs at ground level; they also resonate from above.
In March 2024, NCWF highlighted Wildlife in the Overstory. While there is a multitude of wildlife species observable at ground level, many rely on the shelter and resources provided by trees, particularly those thriving in their canopies. These tree canopies can create an entirely distinct habitat for wildlife, many of which have evolved and adapted to depend upon them. However, these habitats – and the wildlife within them – face increasing threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation, much of which results from human development and changes in land use.
In this blog post, we dive into some of the amphibian species that rely on these treetop habitats, a reliance evident even in their names: the treefrogs.
North Carolina is home to a vibrant diversity of tree frogs These tiny amphibians fill the forests and wetlands with their unique calls and bring splashes of color to the trees and vegetation Getting acquainted with the tree frogs of North Carolina offers a portal into the captivating ecology of the state.
I explored recent sources to compile a guide to North Carolina’s tree frog species. Here’s an overview of these charismatic amphibians and where to find them in the Tar Heel State.
Tree frogs belong to the frog family Hylidae Most have toe pads that allow them to climb and cling to vegetation They are usually petite, growing 1-3 inches long.
Tree frogs get their name because they spend much of their time in trees and shrubs. They descend to mate and lay eggs in water.
Many tree frog species can change color. Their skin color shifts based on temperature, lighting, and surroundings to provide camouflage. When calling, some species turn bright colors.
Tree frogs catch insects and other invertebrate prey. They eat flying insects like moths and mosquitoes.
While tiny, tree frogs have powerful voices. Their loud calls are easily heard during breeding seasons. Calls differ between species, so learning them helps with identification.
Tree Frog Diversity in North Carolina
North Carolina has ideal tree frog habitat between the humid Coastal Plain and forested Piedmont. Herpetologists have documented 16 tree frog species in the state.
The most widespread is Cope’s gray tree frog. But you may also encounter pine woods tree frogs, barking tree frogs, spring peepers, green tree frogs, and many others.
I’ll overview features, habitat, and range of North Carolina’s tree frog species below. Photos will help you identify their size, color, and markings.
Common Tree Frogs of North Carolina
1. Cope’s Gray Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Dryophytes chrysoscelis
Cope’s gray tree frog has bumpy skin that can quickly shift between gray, green, brown, and black. They have orange-yellow on their hind legs.
These frogs are found throughout North Carolina. Look for them in trees near swamps and wetlands. Their call is a rapid trill, faster than the similar-looking eastern gray tree frog.
2. Spring Peeper
Scientific Name: Pseudacris crucifer
The tiny spring peeper has an “X” marking on its back. Coloring ranges from tan to yellow or pinkish.
Look for these frogs in wooded pools and wetlands. The males’ loud, high-pitched call sounds like sleigh bells, easily heard in early spring.
3. Green Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla cinerea
Bright green tree frogs live up to their name. Shade varies from lime to olive. Most have small yellow or orange flecks on their back.
Found in eastern North Carolina, these frogs call from April to September with a barking “quonk” sound.
4. Pine Woods Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla femoralis
The pine woods tree frog has a “bandit mask” facial stripe. Coloring ranges from green to brown or tan.
Look for them in pine and cypress forests. Their rapid, Morse code-like call is often heard after rain.
5. Barking Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla gratiosa
North Carolina’s largest tree frog, the barking tree frog has bumpy green, brown, or gray skin with dark spots.
Found in the southeastern Coastal Plain, they get their name from their barking breeding call.
6. Squirrel Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla squirella
True to its name, the squirrel tree frog changes color and has a yellow facial stripe. Skin is smooth unlike other tree frogs.
This state-wide species has a raspy call and is known as a “rain frog” for calling before storms.
Less Common Species
Beyond the widespread frogs above, North Carolina has a variety of rarer tree frogs. These include:
- Northern cricket frog
- Southern cricket frog
- Upland chorus frog
- Brimley’s chorus frog
- Pine barrens tree frog
- Little grass frog
- Mountain chorus frog
- Southern chorus frog
- Ornate chorus frog
Their limited ranges and secretive habits make spotting these species a special treat for nature enthusiasts.
Ideal Tree Frog Habitats
Though found state-wide, tree frogs congregate in certain habitats:
- Cypress swamps & pine forests – Offer shaded refuges and moist conditions
- Marshes, lakes & ponds – Provide breeding spots with vegetation
- Rainwater ditches & puddles – Small, temporary wet spots work well for breeding
Tree frogs flourish in areas that offer both aquatic breeding sites and terrestrial vegetation for shelter and hunting insects.
Wetlands surrounded by shrubs and trees harbor the highest densities. But tree frogs sometimes visit surprisingly urban areas like backyard ponds.
Spotting Tree Frogs in North Carolina
Tree frogs’ camouflage and small size make them hard to observe. But there are ways to detect them:
Listen for calls – Get to know tree frog breeding calls and listen on spring and summer nights. This is the easiest way to identify species.
Check vegetation over water – Inspect shrubs, reeds, and branches hanging over ponds and wetlands during the day when frogs hide out.
Look for eggs – From spring to fall, inspect vegetation and debris in the water for gelatinous tree frog egg masses.
Find tadpoles – Tadpoles can confirm which species live in a pond, though some are tricky to identify.
Related Links, Calls and Photos
Treefrogs in North Carolina
North Carolina tree frog species include the gray treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor), American green treefrog (Dryophytes cinereus), pine woods tree frog (Dryophytes femoralis), barking treefrog (Dryophytes gratiosus), squirrel treefrog (Dryophytes squirellus), and pine barrens treefrog (Dryophytes andersonii). Though there are other species of frog in North Carolina that can resemble treefrogs and are known to climb short vegetation (such as some cricket frogs and chorus frogs), the treefrogs within the genus Dryophytes are better suited to climbing high vegetation, including trees.
Both the pine barrens treefrog (Dryophytes andersonii) and the northern gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) are featured on the state’s list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
Early Spring Wildlife of NC: Amphibians Everywhere!
FAQ
Are there tree frogs in North Carolina?
North Carolina tree frog species include the gray treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor), American green treefrog (Dryophytes cinereus), pine woods tree frog …Mar 27, 2024
Are tree frogs good to have around?
Tree frogs mostly eat insects (mine are especially fond of moths attracted to my back porchlight) and other small invertebrates. Birds, snakes, and other predators eat them. They are beneficial wildlife for both reasons.
Is it okay to pick up tree frogs?
Rule of thumb with wildlife: Don’t touch, pet or feed. Tree frogs are neither aggressive nor poisonous. The highest risks you can get from handling them are skin irritations and Salmonella bacteria. However, refraining from handling them will help the tree frog the most.
What does a barking tree frog sound like in NC?
Call: The barking treefrog’s breeding call is a single “toonk,” given every few seconds. From a distance, a breeding chorus may sound like a pack of barking dogs. Unlike other treefrogs that call from vegetation or the shoreline around a wetland, barking treefrogs call while floating on the water’s surface.