With spring heading into summer, many parts of the United States enjoy a nighttime chorus of frogs and toads. These amphibians are singing to attract mates and delineate territory. Some, like this American toad, sing from the water, and the vibration of their vocal sac creates ripples that last as long as they’re vocalizing. The toad sings by closing its nostrils and mouth, then forcing air from its lungs over its vocal cords. Those vibrations are amplified by resonance in its vocal sac, generating the high chirp we hear. (Image credit: cassiescisco)
Toad Singing
