Oklahoma’s wetlands, forests, and grasslands create the perfect habitat for a diverse array of frogs and toads that you might encounter throughout the year.
From the deep bellowing calls of bullfrogs to the high-pitched peeps of spring peepers, these amphibians play a crucial role in Oklahoma’s ecosystems and provide a fascinating window into the state’s biodiversity.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply curious about the wildlife around you, understanding the types of frogs in Oklahoma helps you appreciate these remarkable creatures and recognize them by sight and sound.
The state is home to over 20 species of frogs and toads, each with distinct characteristics, preferred habitats, and calling patterns that make them unique.
Some are common throughout the state, while others prefer specific regions or seasonal conditions. By learning to identify these species, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Oklahoma’s natural environment and the ecological roles these amphibians play.
1. American Bullfrog
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is one of Oklahoma’s largest and most recognizable frogs, known for its deep, resonant call that sounds like a loud “jug-o-rum.” You can identify this species by its large size (up to 8 inches), smooth green or brown skin, and prominent tympanum (ear area) that’s larger than its eye.
These frogs prefer permanent bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams where they can hunt insects, smaller frogs, and even small fish.
Key Identification Tips: Look for the massive tympanum and powerful hind legs. American bullfrogs are entirely aquatic and rarely venture far from water. Their tadpoles are the largest of any North American frog, often 6 inches or longer.
2. Green Frog
The green frog (Rana clamitans) is a close relative of the bullfrog but notably smaller, reaching only 2-4 inches.
You’ll recognize this species by its bright green coloring (though some individuals display brown tones), distinct ridges running down its back, and a tympanum that’s roughly the same size as its eye.
Green frogs make a distinctive “clink” sound, like a plucked guitar string, and you’re most likely to hear them during spring and summer breeding seasons.
Habitat Preference: These frogs thrive in vegetated areas around permanent and semi-permanent waters, including marshes, pond edges, and stream banks. They’re more active hunters than bullfrogs and consume a wide variety of invertebrates.
3. Northern Leopard Frog
The northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) gets its name from the irregular dark spots covering its body, which resembles a leopard’s coat.
You can distinguish this species by its streamlined body (2-4 inches), green or brown coloring with distinct circular dark spots, and a light-colored stripe running down the center of its back. These frogs are vocal during breeding season, producing a distinctive rattling croak followed by clucking sounds.
Notable Behavior: Unlike many frogs, northern leopard frogs often remain active during cooler months and can be found on land more frequently than strictly aquatic species.
4. Southern Leopard Frog
The southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) is similar to the northern species but slightly smaller (1.5-3.5 inches) with more pointed snouts.
You’ll notice their coloring ranges from green to brown, with characteristic oval-shaped dark spots and light-colored stripes on their lips. These frogs produce a distinctive call that sounds like someone snoring or making a soft growling noise.
Ecological Niche: Southern leopard frogs prefer open areas near shallow water sources and are often found in grasslands, flatlands, and areas with scattered vegetation where they hunt small insects and invertebrates.
5. Plains Leopard Frog
The plains leopard frog (Lithobates blairi) is the smallest member of Oklahoma’s leopard frog family, measuring only 1.5-2.5 inches.
You can identify this species by its smaller size, pointed snout, and coloration that typically matches its surroundings—usually tan or olive-brown with dark spots. Despite their diminutive size, these frogs produce surprisingly loud calls described as rapid, raspy croaks.
Habitat Specificity: This species shows a strong preference for the western portions of Oklahoma, where you’ll find them in grasslands, marshes, and areas with temporary water sources that fill after spring rains.
6. Pickerel Frog
The pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris) is one of Oklahoma’s most distinctively patterned amphibians, featuring bright orange or red coloring on the undersides of its legs and underside contrasting with brown or tan back coloring.
You’ll recognize this 1.5-2.5 inch frog by its rectangular dark spots arranged in two parallel rows down its back and its generally warty appearance. When threatened, pickerel frogs secrete toxic skin compounds, making them unpalatable to predators.
Key Identification Feature: The bright coloring on their lower body is distinctive and immediately separates them from other Oklahoma frog species. They prefer cool, well-oxygenated water environments.
7. Crawfish Frog
The crawfish frog (Lithobates areolatus) is a burrowing species that you might not encounter frequently since it spends much of its time in underground crawfish burrows.
When you do spot one, measure 1.5-2.5 inches and note its chunky build, warty skin texture, and coloration ranging from gray to brown. Their call is distinctive—a loud, explosive “boom” that’s unmistakable once you’ve heard it.
Behavioral Specialty: These frogs are highly terrestrial compared to most Oklahoma species, returning to water primarily during breeding season. They’re perfectly adapted to life in prairie regions where crawfish burrows provide shelter.
8. Wood Frog
The wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) is immediately recognizable by the distinctive dark “mask” marking across its eyes and upper face, resembling a bandit’s mask.
You can identify this 1.25-2.25 inch frog by its tan, brown, or rusty coloring and relatively slim build. Their call is distinctive and often heard in early spring—a soft, duck-like quacking sound.
Ecological Preference: Wood frogs are highly adaptable to forested regions and are often found far from water in leaf litter and wooded areas. They’re among the first frogs to breed in spring, often arriving at breeding pools while ice is still forming.
9. Blanchard’s Cricket Frog
Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi) is a tiny species measuring only 0.75-1.5 inches, making it one of Oklahoma’s smallest frogs.
You’ll identify this species by its minuscule size, bumpy skin texture, and highly variable coloring that can be gray, brown, tan, or even greenish. Despite its size, this frog produces a distinctive high-pitched trilling call that sounds like a cricket, hence its common name.
Unique Characteristic: Cricket frogs are excellent jumpers and can leap nearly 2 feet—impressive considering their diminutive size. They remain active longer into fall than many other Oklahoma species.
10. Northern Cricket Frog
The northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans) is virtually identical to Blanchard’s cricket frog and similarly tiny (0.75-1.5 inches), with overlapping ranges in Oklahoma.
You can distinguish them by subtle differences in head shape and call patterns, though field identification is challenging. Their call is a rapid series of clicks that genuinely sound like crickets, especially when multiple males call together.
Geographic Distribution: Northern cricket frogs prefer the eastern portions of Oklahoma where they’re found in grasslands and open areas near shallow water sources.
11. Cope’s Gray Treefrog
Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) is a small arboreal species reaching only 1.25-2 inches, identifiable by its warty, gray coloring (though some individuals display greenish tones), and the bright yellow or orange coloring on the underside of its hind legs.
You’ll notice the adhesive toe pads that allow this species to climb vertical surfaces with ease. Their call is a rapid, loud trill that resonates through spring and early summer nights.
Climbing Specialist: This species spends most of its time in trees and shrubs, hunting insects among foliage. You’re more likely to hear them than see them, as their gray coloring provides excellent camouflage.
12. Gray Treefrog
The gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) is nearly identical to Cope’s gray treefrog and equally small (1.25-2 inches), with similarly warty skin and bright coloring on the undersides of hind legs. The two species have nearly overlapping ranges in Oklahoma, and field identification requires careful attention to call patterns and subtle differences in size and proportions. Their trill call is somewhat slower and more musical than Cope’s trill.
Vocal Distinction: The primary way to distinguish these species is by their calls—gray treefrog’s trill is noticeably slower and lower-pitched than Cope’s gray treefrog.
13. Spring Peeper
The spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is an iconic herald of spring, with its high-pitched “peep” being one of the first frog calls you’ll hear after winter.
This tiny species measures only 0.75-1.25 inches and displays tan or brown coloring with a distinctive X-shaped marking on its back. Despite their small size, male spring peepers produce calls that can be heard over a quarter-mile away, especially when multiple males chorus together.
Spring Indicator: You can set your calendar by spring peepers—they typically begin calling in late February or early March, often creating deafening choruses on warm, rainy nights.
14. Western Chorus Frog
The western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) is a small species measuring 0.75-1.5 inches with highly variable coloring that ranges from green to brown to gray.
You’ll notice the characteristic three light-colored stripes running down its back and a dark stripe running through its eye. Their distinctive call sounds like running your fingernail along a comb—a rapid, high-pitched trill that’s instantly recognizable.
Seasonal Appearance: Western chorus frogs are highly seasonal, appearing in large numbers during spring breeding season but becoming scarce during hot, dry periods.
15. Strecker’s Chorus Frog
Strecker’s chorus frog (Pseudacris streckeri) is slightly larger than the western chorus frog (1-1.5 inches) with more distinct coloring patterns and stockier build.
You can identify this species by its generally tan or olive coloring, prominent light stripes, and the characteristic dark stripe through its eye. Their call is a distinctive trill that’s somewhat slower and more musical than the western chorus frog’s call.
Regional Preference: This species shows a strong preference for the southwestern portions of Oklahoma, where you’ll find them in grasslands and open areas near temporary water sources.
16. Upland Chorus Frog
The upland chorus frog (Pseudacris feriarum) is the rarest of Oklahoma’s chorus frogs, with a limited distribution in the southeastern corner of the state.
This tiny species measures 0.75-1.25 inches and displays tan, brown, or gray coloring with characteristic stripes and a dark eye stripe. You can identify this species by its shorter call trill compared to other chorus frogs and its preference for upland habitats.
Habitat Specialty: Unlike other chorus frog species, the upland chorus frog prefers drier, more forested upland areas rather than open grasslands and flatlands.
17. Great Plains Narrow-Mouthed Toad
The Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) is one of Oklahoma’s most unusual-looking amphibians with its rounded, toad-like body (0.75-1.5 inches), small pointed snout, and smooth skin texture.
You’ll recognize this species by its olive, gray, or brownish coloring and the characteristic fold of skin running from behind its eye to its front leg. Their call is distinctive—a high-pitched, buzzing sound unlike any other Oklahoma frog.
Feeding Specialist: This species has an unusually small mouth and specializes in eating ants and termites, making it ecologically distinct from other Oklahoma frogs.
18. Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad
The eastern narrow-mouthed toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis) is very similar to the Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad with comparable size (0.75-1.25 inches) and appearance.
You can distinguish this species by its slightly different coloring patterns, smoother skin appearance, and preference for more humid, eastern environments. Their call is similarly high-pitched and buzzing but with subtle differences in frequency.
Geographic Distribution: This species‘ range in Oklahoma is limited to the eastern forested portions of the state, where humidity levels are higher.
19. Great Plains Toad
The Great Plains toad (Ollotis cognatus) is a true toad species measuring 1.75-2.5 inches with a bumpy, warty skin texture and distinctive cranial crests forming a V-shape between its eyes.
You’ll identify this species by its generally grayish-brown coloring, light-colored stripes running down its back, and prominent parotoid glands behind its eyes. Their call is a distinctive, loud musical trill that sounds like a ringing bell.
breeding Behavior: These toads are explosive breeders, gathering in large numbers after heavy rains to breed in temporary water sources. You might encounter hundreds of individuals in a single night during peak breeding season.
20. Woodhouse’s Toad
Woodhouse’s toad (Ollotis woodhousii) is similar to the Great Plains toad but generally larger (1.75-3 inches) with more prominent warty skin and slightly different coloring patterns.
You can distinguish this species by its lack of prominent cranial crests and its typically more reddish or tan coloring compared to the Great Plains toad. Their call is a distinctive loud trill, though somewhat different from the Great Plains toad.
Habitat Range: This species is widely distributed throughout Oklahoma and is often the most common toad you’ll encounter in urban and suburban areas.
21. American Toad
The American toad (Bufo americanus) is a compact, heavily warted species measuring 2-3.5 inches with stocky build and prominent bumpy skin.
You’ll identify this species by its reddish-brown or grayish coloring, the characteristic light stripe running down its back, and the prominent parotoid glands. Their call is a distinctive high-pitched trill that lasts several seconds and is often heard during spring and early summer.
Beneficial Garden Resident: American toads are excellent pest controllers, consuming large quantities of insects and invertebrates. Many gardeners welcome these toads for natural pest management.
22. Fowler’s Toad
Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri) is smaller than the American toad (1.5-2.75 inches) with less prominent warty texture and more delicate build. You can identify this species by its generally tan or olive coloring with darker markings and the distinctive pattern of warts typically arranged in clusters. Their call is distinctive—a loud, harsh trill with a somewhat nasal quality.
Behavioral Adaptation: Fowler’s toads are more aquatic than American toads and spend more time in and around water sources, particularly during breeding season.
Understanding Oklahoma’s Frog Populations
Pro Tip: Learning frog calls is one of the most effective ways to identify Oklahoma’s amphibian species. Many online resources and smartphone apps provide high-quality recordings of authentic frog calls, allowing you to match sounds you hear to specific species.
The diversity of frogs and toads in Oklahoma reflects the state’s varied habitats and climate zones. From eastern forests to western grasslands, each region supports slightly different amphibian communities. Understanding which species inhabit your specific area enhances your ability to recognize and identify them.
Key Insight: Frog populations can indicate environmental health. Healthy, diverse amphibian communities suggest good water quality and intact ecosystems. Declining populations may indicate habitat loss, pollution, or other environmental stressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frog calling season varies by species, but spring peepers typically begin calling in late February, while summer species like bullfrogs can be heard through September. Peak activity occurs during warm, rainy nights in spring and early summer.
While both are amphibians, toads typically have drier, bumpier skin, shorter legs, and spend more time on land, while frogs generally have smooth, moist skin, longer legs, and spend more time in water. However, this distinction isn’t always clear-cut.
Most Oklahoma frogs are harmless to humans. Some species like pickerel frogs secrete mildly toxic compounds, but these are primarily defensive adaptations against predators, not threats to people. Never handle wild frogs or toads unnecessarily, as oils on human skin can damage their sensitive skin.
Wetlands, marshes, pond edges, and stream banks are ideal locations. Look for species during appropriate seasons—spring for chorus frogs and peepers, summer for bullfrogs and green frogs, and year-round in appropriate habitats.
Preserve wetland habitats, reduce pesticide use, avoid handling wild frogs, and support wetland conservation initiatives. Amphibians are sensitive to habitat changes and need intact aquatic and terrestrial environments.
