American Toad
Anaxyrus americana
NH Conservation Status: Not listed
State Rank Status: Widespread and secure
Distribution: Throughout NH
Description: A small 2-3.5 inch toad that may appear brown, olive, reddish, or gray. Have 1-2 large warts in each dark spot on the body. Chest usually spotted with dark pigment; enlarged warts on tibia; parotoid gland either separated from ridge behind eye or connected with it by a spur.
Commonly Confused Species: Fowler’s toad has 3 or more warts in each dark spot. Fowler’s toads and American toads may hybridize making identification problematic.
Habitat: Considered habitat generalists as they are found in forested and open areas, uplands, wetlands, and suburban backyards.
Life History: Eggs are laid by the thousands in long strings among aquatic vegetation in shallow water. Hibernates terrestrially underground.
Voice: A long, musical trill.
Conservation Threats: Species is secure