Love Song of the Spring Peeper

The gray days of winter in the Southeast don’t deter the little Spring Peeper from seeking a mate. Small frogs that dwell in abundant numbers in wooded areas near ponds, swamps, and wetlands, Spring Peepers are among the first frogs to sound a call in the winter. The Spring Peeper has a species range that extends from Ontario to South Georgia, and comes in brown, olive, gray, and yellow varieties, all sporting a distinctive dark “X” mark on the back. The most remarkable trait of the Spring Peeper, however, is the male’s high-pitched call, which is often “performed” in duets or trios (female Peepers, alas, are voiceless). Peepers are most vocal at night and on overcast or misty days, and their calls can be heard from up to half a mile away. Keep your ears perked for the Spring Peeper on your next winter walk through the woods; for a preview of what to listen for, click here for a link to an audio clip.