Bird-Voiced Treefrog
Dryophytes avivoca
The Bird-Voiced Treefrog is a small wetland frog whose rapid whistled call sounds like a flock of distant birds.
Bird-Voiced Treefrogs live around wooded swamps, floodplains, and cypress wetlands in northern Florida. Males call from shrubs and branches over shallow water.
Color shifts from gray or brown to green, helping the frog blend with bark and leaves. Clean seasonal wetlands and intact forest buffers support breeding.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Forests and Woodlands
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida
Diet:
Adults eat moths, beetles, flies, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Tadpoles graze algae and organic material.
Behavior:
Males call after dark from vegetation above flooded woodland. Females lay eggs in shallow water, and adults climb into trees outside the breeding season.
Night, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm rainy nights from late winter through summer near cypress swamps and wooded wetlands.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Locally common where forested wetlands remain intact. Drainage, pollution, and wetland loss reduce breeding habitat.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Avoid handling frogs because their skin absorbs oils and chemicals. Do not move frogs between wetlands.
Benefits to Property:
Adults consume insects and tadpoles contribute to nutrient cycling in seasonal wetlands.
Property Concerns:
They cause no property damage. Bright outdoor lighting, pesticides, and wetland drainage reduce habitat quality.
Fun Fact:
The species name avivoca means bird voice and refers to its distinctive call.
Wildlife Laws:
No special statewide listing applies. Collection on protected lands or for commercial use requires authorization, and wetland protections may apply to habitat alteration.
Identification:
Look for a small treefrog with toe pads, a dark cross or irregular mark on the back, a pale patch beneath the eye, and green or yellow color on the inner thighs. Color varies with temperature and surroundings.