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bird-voiced treefrog
bird-voiced treefrog (Hyla avivoca) [state threatened]
Photo © Brad M. Glorioso
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The bird-voiced treefrog averages about one to one and three-fourths inches in length. It has a light spot under each eye. The concealed portions of the hind legs have a pale yellow-green to green- or yellow-white coloring. The body color is gray, brown or green. An adhesive pad is present on the tip of each toe. The long legs and slim waist are also characteristic. The tadpole is dark brown with three to seven red saddles and thin bronze stripes on the head.
BEHAVIORS
The bird-voiced treefrog may be found in the southern tip of Illinois. It lives in cypress swamps, sloughs and marshes. This species is often found in trees or shrubs. It breeds from mid-May into August. The male’s call is a prolonged, quavering, birdlike note. Eggs are deposited in submerged packets in the water. Eggs hatch in three to four days. Metamorphosis (change to the land-based form) occurs in about one month. The bird-voiced treefrog eats insects and other invertebrates.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Illinois Status: threatened, native
