Florida's Frogs & Toads

True Toads

Southern Toad

(Bufo terrestris)

Size:

Adult Southern Toads generally range in size from 1.5 to 3 inches, although the record size is nearly 4.5 inches. Any toad found in Florida larger than 4 inches is almost certainly an invasive Cane Toad.

Description:

Southern Toads are warty frogs with oval glands on the shoulders and a pair of obvious ridges or "crests" on top of the head. They can range in color from tan to reddish-brown, dark brown, or gray with darker spots on the back.

Range:

Southern Toads are one of the most common toads in the southeastern US, and are found along the coastal plain (including all of Florida) from southern Virginia to the Mississippi River (Louisiana). 

Breeding Season:

March to October

Call:

 A cross between a hum and a whistle. To hear the Southern Toad's call, visit the USGS Frog Call Lookup.

Photo Gallery:

Click on each image to view a larger picture and learn some identification tips.

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