From a Motorcycle Revving to a Pig Oinking, Eight Amazing Sounds Made by Frogs

When we think of frogs, we often picture them hopping around and croaking, but did you know that there are over 7,000 species of frogs in the world, each with its own unique call? From sounds that resemble dogs barking to futuristic whistles and pops, the diversity of frog calls is truly remarkable.

Frogs produce their calls by passing air over their vocal cords, similar to how humans speak. They can also amplify their calls using a vocal sac that helps the sound resonate. While frogs primarily call to attract mates, they can also use their calls to warn others about their territory or express distress or fear.

So, why do frog calls vary so much? It turns out that frogs may be adapting to different environments to ensure their calls are best suited for their surroundings. Female frogs’ preferences for certain types of calls can also influence how male frogs call over time. Additionally, frogs have different types of vocal sacs that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, which can affect how their calls are amplified.

Let’s explore some of the most fascinating frog calls in nature:

Bright-eyed frogs from Madagascar, known as Boophis spp., make whistling sounds reminiscent of “Star Trek.” Researchers identified seven new species in this genus by analyzing their unique vocal patterns, naming them after characters from the sci-fi series.

Desert rain frogs, such as Breviceps macrops, squeak like dog toys and are found in the deserts of South Africa and Namibia. These nocturnal frogs emerge at night to collect moisture from the fog and have a transparent patch of skin on their stomachs.

Green frogs, also known as banjo frogs, produce a twangy call that resembles the plunking of a banjo string. They can be found throughout the eastern United States and vary in color from green to bronze.

Pig frogs, like Lithobates grylio, emit low grunting sounds that resemble a pig’s “oink.” They are active in swamps across the southeastern U.S. and call to attract female frogs.

Bird-voiced tree frogs, such as Hyla avivoca, produce birdlike calls that consist of rapid, high-pitched noises. These frogs are commonly found in swamps in the southeastern U.S.

Carpenter frogs, like Lithobates virgatipes, make sounds that resemble hammering, which they use for territorial communication with other males and to attract females.

Motorbike frogs, such as Litoria moorei, create calls that sound like a motorcycle changing gears. These frogs are common in southwestern Australia and use their loud calls to communicate with potential mates.

Sheep frogs, like Hypopachus variolosus, bleat like sheep and are found in Central America and Mexico. These frogs burrow and mainly feed on ants and termites.

While the diversity of frog calls is truly impressive, it’s important to remember that frogs are facing increasing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. With approximately 200 frog species going extinct since the 1970s, it’s crucial to appreciate and protect these unique creatures and their amazing vocal talents. Let’s not take the symphony of frog calls for granted and work towards preserving these fascinating amphibians for future generations.