Eastern American Toad

How to identify

• Brown, gray, or olive with dark spots, each containing one or two warts
• Large parotoid glands behind eyes
• Bumpy, warty skin
• Stout body
• Cranial crests between eyes that touch or are connected to the parotoid glands

About this species

Virginia's most familiar toad, the eastern American toad is found in nearly every terrestrial habitat in the state, including suburban yards and gardens. Their long, melodious trill is one of the defining sounds of spring. Despite the old myth, toads do not cause warts — but their parotoid glands do secrete mild toxins that make them unpalatable to most predators.

Often confused with

Did you know

"American toads can eat up to 1,000 insects per day and are one of the most effective natural pest controllers in Virginia gardens — a single toad in your garden is a genuine asset."

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.