Herping isn’t just about spotting amphibians, it’s about listening for them too. Walking through a damp forest at dusk, you might not see a single frog or salamander, but the air is alive with their calls, deep croaks, rhythmic trills, and sharp chirps. For herpers, recognizing these sounds is just as important as spotting movement in the underbrush. Amphibians are masters of camouflage, but their vocalizations give them away. Whether you’re out herping solo or on a herping tour, knowing how to use sound can seriously up your game.

Why Amphibians Use Sound

Amphibians rely on vocalizations for a lot of reasons, mating calls, defending territory, or even signaling distress. Unlike reptiles, which are generally silent, frogs and toads have vocal sacs that amplify their calls, making them easy to hear even from a distance. Different species have their own unique calls, so learning them can help you ID species without even seeing them.

Recognizing Common Amphibian Calls

If you want to level up your herping, start by learning some common calls:

• Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer): A high-pitched, repetitive “peep” that dominates early spring nights.
• American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus): A deep, resonant “jug-o-rum” that sounds like a distant cow.
• Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea): A loud, nasal “queenk-queenk” that stands out in humid summer nights.
• Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii): A weird, low-pitched, sheep-like bleat.
• Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor): A short, musical trill that varies in pitch and speed depending on temperature.

Knowing these sounds lets you track down amphibians in the dark or thick brush without having to rely just on sight.

Techniques for Using Sound in the Field

Here’s how to make the most of amphibian calls while herping:

• Stop and Listen: Take a moment to stand still and let your ears adjust. You might be surprised at what you hear.
• Call Imitation: Some herpers get really good at mimicking frog calls to get a response.
• Playback (Use Responsibly): Playing recorded calls can sometimes draw amphibians closer, but overuse can stress them out.
• Right Timing: Most frogs and toads call at night, especially after rain when the humidity is high.

Tools for Identifying Amphibian Calls

Technology makes it easier than ever to ID frog and toad calls. Some tools to check out:

• Mobile Apps: Apps like FrogID and Amphibian Sounds let you compare recordings in real time.
• Audio Recorders: Handy for capturing calls for later identification.
• Field Guides: Many guides include call descriptions and QR codes linking to recordings.

Ethical Considerations and Conservation

Sound is a great tool, but it should be used responsibly. Overuse of playback can disrupt amphibian behavior, so keep it minimal. Also, if you record calls, consider contributing them to citizen science projects to help track populations and conservation efforts.

Sound is one of the best tools for herping, helping you find species that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re out on your own or joining a herping tour, tuning into amphibian calls adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Next time you’re out in a wetland or forest, stop, listen, and let the sounds guide your way.