Amphibians nocturnal

Upland Chorus Frog

Pseudacris feriarum

The Upland Chorus Frog is the invisible herald of spring, filling the cool night air with its iconic comb-like call. Though small and expertly camouflaged, these resilient amphibians are common visitors to backyard wetlands and wooded edges.

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Quick Identification

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Size

0.75 to 1.5 inches (1.9 to 3.8 cm) in length

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Colors

Varies from brown and tan to grey or olive green. Features three dark, longitudinal stripes down the back which may be broken into spots. A distinct white line runs along the upper lip.

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Key Features

Three dark stripes or rows of spots down the back
A dark mask-like stripe running through the eye to the shoulder
White stripe on the upper lip
Small, inconspicuous toe pads compared to other tree frogs

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 7 PM - 2 AM

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Season February-May

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Diet Small invertebrates including ants, beetles, flies, spiders, and leafhoppers found in ground-level vegetation.

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Habitat Moist woodlands, fallow fields, and suburban backyards near meadows or temporary pools.

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Behavior

The Upland Chorus Frog is a secretive, primarily nocturnal amphibian that is far more often heard than seen. They are famous for their breeding call, which sounds remarkably like a person running their fingernail over the teeth of a stiff plastic comb. This sound is a staple of early spring nights in the eastern United States, often beginning while there is still snow on the ground. Unlike many larger frogs, they do not spend much time in permanent bodies of water, preferring the safety of temporary, fish-free 'vernal' pools for breeding.

Outside of the breeding season, these frogs are quite terrestrial. They spend their time foraging through leaf litter and tall grasses. They are not strong climbers and generally stay close to the ground, hiding under logs, rocks, or debris to maintain moisture. While they are wary of humans and will fall silent if they sense heavy footsteps nearby, they can become quite accustomed to a quiet observer with a flashlight or a well-placed backyard camera.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Upland Chorus Frog on camera requires a ground-level approach. Because these frogs rarely exceed an inch and a half in length, you should place your camera no higher than 2 to 4 inches off the ground. If your camera allows for it, use a macro lens or a close-focus setting, as the frog will likely be very close to the lens. Aim the camera toward a known 'singing post'—usually a small tuft of grass or a twig emerging from a shallow puddle or damp depression in your yard.

Since these frogs are most active after spring rains, timing is everything. Set your camera to record video rather than still photos. A 15-second video clip is much more likely to capture their throat sac inflating during a call than a single photo. Use the highest sensitivity setting for your motion trigger, as these tiny frogs may not create enough heat or movement to trigger standard settings. If your camera has a 'time-lapse' mode, consider setting it to take a photo every 30 seconds during a rainy evening in March.

To attract them to a specific spot for your camera, create a 'frog hotel' using a pile of damp, decaying logs or a shallow, sunken saucer of dechlorinated water surrounded by leaf litter. Avoid using bright white-light flashes if possible, as this can startle them and stop their calling behavior; instead, utilize infrared (IR) or 'no-glow' settings. If you are using a camera that records audio, you’ll be able to identify them easily by their 'crreeeeeek' rising-pitch call, which provides a great soundtrack to your nocturnal footage.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Upland Chorus Frog.

Spring Peeper

Look for the dark 'X' mark on the back and a high-pitched 'peep' call instead of stripes and a comb-like sound.

Western Chorus Frog

Nearly identical visually; differentiation is primarily based on geography, with Western species found further inland toward the plains.

New Jersey Chorus Frog

Has much longer stripes that are rarely broken into spots and slightly longer hind legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upland Chorus Frogs are primarily nocturnal. They are most active and vocal from dusk until the early morning hours, especially on humid or rainy nights during the spring breeding season.

To attract Upland Chorus Frogs, provide a 'wild' corner in your yard with thick leaf litter, native grasses, and a chemical-free shallow water source. Avoiding pesticides is crucial as their skin is highly absorbent.

They are insectivores that forage on the ground. Their diet consists of small invertebrates like ants, small spiders, beetles, and various larvae found in moist soil and leaves.

Yes, they are quite adaptable and are frequently found in suburban neighborhoods that have nearby woodlots, drainage ditches, or low-lying areas that collect water in the spring.

Look at the back: Upland Chorus Frogs have three longitudinal stripes (or rows of dots), while Spring Peepers have a distinct, dark 'X' mark on their back.

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