Bird-voiced Treefrog
(Hyla avivoca)

Description: This medium to large treefrog is variable in color and can be entirely grayish, gray with splotches of green, or entirely on their dorsum. All individuals have a pale greenish patch beneath the eye, and have green spots on the inside of the thighs. They have bumpy skin and like other members of the genus, these frogs have large toe pads and elongated limbs. 

Natural History: Bird-voiced treefrogs are most commonly found in Cypress-tupelo swamps adjacent to large river systems. In South Carolina they are restricted to the floodplains of the Savanah River. Breeding season takes place from late spring into early summer and their name-sake birdlike call can be heard emanating from these swamps at night following rainy or humid days. During the day, these frogs primarily seek refuge high in the treetops  

Similar Species: The larger Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysocelis) can be confused with the Bird-voiced Treefrog, but the the Cope’s Gray Treefrog has vibrant orange flash colors on the inner thighs.   

Distribution:  This frog is found in scattered populations from southeastern South Carolina, through Georgia and to the panhandle of Florida. The range extends west to the lower portion of the Mississippi river basin. They can be found as far north as southern Illinois. In South Carolina, this frog is restricted to the floodplains of the Savannah River in the Southeastern portion of the state. 

Contributed by Jake Zadik (7/18/21)