Blog #5: Why Do Frogs Sing? The Secret Language of Frogs Explained
Believe it or not, frogs are some of nature's most vocal creatures, filling silent moments with their trills, chirps, and even croaks, mainly during the warmer summer and spring nights. However, have you ever taken a moment to consider why frogs even sing in the first place? Their callouts aren't just noises they make necessarily, but rather specific sounds that carry different purposes and assist them in thriving and surviving within their given environments (Gerhardt 1994). So, what are these "specific reasons"?
To Find a Mate! 🐸❤️
A central explanation for the singing of frogs is to ultimately attract a mate (Gerhardt 1994). We have heard of this before with other species, including coyotes, dogs, or even humpback whales, but did you know that frogs also use their sounds to attract? Generally, male frogs will utilize their specialized calls to make the females aware of their existence and that they are readily available and willing to breed (Gerhardt 1994). Upon researching this topic in depth, I was most interested when I realized that each different frog species has their own unique and distinctive call in order for females to approach the correct mate (Gerhardt 1994). It has also been proven that some male frogs may add different clicks or trills to their calls, making their call more attractive to a female. Lastly, it has been noted that a longer and louder call signifies a stronger, healthier male frog, which could potentially make him more appealing to the potential female mates out there (Gerhardt 1994).
A beautiful photo of a Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog
2. To Defend their Territory 🏞️
Although frog choruses may sound peaceful and delightful, in reality, they are full of competition. Male frogs utilize their calls in an attempt to stake their claim within a particular area, which ultimately warns other males to "back off" and stay away (Gerhardt 1994). A few fun facts that I stumbled across upon examination of frogs defending their territory were the following:
A frog that holds a more dominant, stronger call is able to deter the weaker males and prevent them from entering their posted territory (Gerhardt 1994).
Different species of frogs will sometimes engage in what is called "call duels", which is essentially when two male frogs will alternate making faster and louder calls in an attempt to "outdo" the other frog, almost like a competition (Gerhardt 1994).
If their calls out do not work or result in a female to breed with, things can escalate rather quickly, and some frogs will actually physically wrestle each other in a fight to win the best calling spots, which would result in the attraction of a female partner (Gerhardt 1994).
A Red-eyed tree frog
3. To Communicate Danger ⚠️
Not all frogs are in it for love or even to compete with others. Some exist to assist others and to warn them of possible dangers surrounding them or to startle the potential predators nearby (Gerhardt 1994). Although small, they are mighty! Letting out high-pitched screams is a method by which frogs who have been attacked by a predator use to try and scare the attacker in order to escape. Some frogs even have what are called "alarm calls," which essentially warn their frog friends when threats, including birds, snakes, or even humans, are nearby (Gerhardt 1994).
To conclude, frogs are evidently rather fascinating amphibians, who are smart, talented, and considerate of their frog friends! If you are ever interested in listening to these "frog songs", visit a local marsh, wetland, or pond after a warm rain or during dusk for the best outcome! Or simply sit quietly and patiently to listen, record their calls, or even watch for movement! Interpret nature and all that frogs have to offer!
Golden frogs, who are sadly endangered. How adorable!
References
Gerhardt, H. Carl. 1994. “The Evolution of Vocalization in Frogs and Toads.” Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 25: 293–324. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2097314.
