The American Toad is a well-known and prevalent species in the state of Alabama. With its brown to gray coloring and patches of yellow or buff, it is easily recognizable. Alongside this species, there are five other types of toads found in Alabama, including the abundant Fowler’s Toad, which can be found in various habitats. The Oak Toad, on the other hand, is the smallest species, characterized by its gray or black coloration and a light-colored stripe down its back. Mistaking the Southern Toad for the Oak Toad is quite common, as they look alike, but the Southern Toad is larger and may lack a prominent stripe. Additionally, Alabama is also home to spadefoots, which are similar to toads, but have vertical pupils, smooth skin, and bony spades on their back feet for burrowing. Spotting the Eastern Spadefoot is rare in Alabama, as they prefer to stay underground and only emerge after prolonged rainfall for breeding purposes. Lastly, the Cane Toad, although not native to Alabama, has become an invasive species, due to its large size and toxic skin secretions. These diverse toad species contribute to the rich biodiversity found in Alabama’s ecosystems.
The American Toad
The American Toad is one of the most common and widely known species of toad in Alabama. These toads have brown to gray coloring with patches of yellow, buff, or other light colors. They also have dark spots on their bodies, which may vary in size and shape. Adult American Toads can reach a length of 2 to 4.5 inches, making them a medium-sized species.
These toads have a distinct appearance, with rough skin and warty bumps covering their bodies. They have short legs and their hind feet are adapted for hopping. The American Toad also has a large parotoid gland located behind each eye. These glands secrete a toxic substance when the toad feels threatened, serving as a defense mechanism against predators.
Habitat
American Toads can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alabama. They are adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. These toads are commonly found in gardens, fields, forests, and even suburban areas. They prefer habitats with moist soil and vegetation, as they rely on these conditions for foraging and reproduction.
During the breeding season, American Toads are particularly drawn to bodies of water such as ponds, streams, and marshes. They lay their eggs in shallow water, which hatch into tadpoles after a couple of days. Once the tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, they leave the water and become terrestrial juveniles.
Behavior
American Toads are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. They spend their days hiding in burrows or under rocks, logs, and vegetation to escape the heat and avoid predators. These toads have a diet consisting of insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates. They catch their prey by shooting out their sticky tongue and quickly retracting it to bring the food into their mouths.
When threatened, American Toads inflate their bodies and adopt a defensive posture, making themselves appear larger to potential predators. They can also produce a loud, high-pitched trilling sound to communicate with other toads or warn predators to stay away. Breeding calls are particularly distinctive, as males emit a long trill to attract females during the mating season.
Types of Toads Found in Alabama
Apart from the American Toad, there are several other species of toads that can be found in Alabama. These include Fowler’s Toad, Oak Toad, and Southern Toad.
Fowler’s Toad
Fowler’s Toad is abundant in Alabama and can be found in a wide range of habitats. They are commonly seen in forests, grasslands, urban gardens, and coastal areas. These toads have a similar appearance to the American Toad, but they are generally larger and have a lighter coloration. Their skin is rough and covered in warts, much like the American Toad.
During the breeding season, Fowler’s Toads gather in pools and other bodies of water to mate and lay their eggs. Their tadpoles develop quickly and transform into toadlets within a matter of weeks. Fowler’s Toads are also known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trill that may resemble the sound of a ringing telephone.
Oak Toad
The Oak Toad is the smallest toad species found in Alabama. Their small size and gray to black coloration help them blend in with their surroundings. Oak Toads have a light-colored stripe running down their backs, which distinguishes them from other species. They have a similar appearance to the Southern Toad but are generally smaller in size.
These toads are often found in sandy or loamy areas, including oak forests, pine flatwoods, and grassy fields. They are also known to inhabit suburban areas and can sometimes be found in gardens or yards. Oak Toads are nocturnal and are active during warm summer nights when they search for prey, such as insects and small invertebrates.
Southern Toad
The Southern Toad is often mistaken for the Oak Toad due to their similar appearance. However, the Southern Toad is larger in size and has a less pronounced or even missing stripe down its back. Southern Toads have a brown to gray coloration with rough, warty skin. Similarly to other toads, they have short legs and a distinctive parotoid gland behind each eye.
Southern Toads can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and suburban areas. They are well-adapted to both humid and arid environments and are capable of surviving in a wide range of conditions. These toads are skilled burrowers and often create burrows in the ground to seek shelter during hot or cold periods.
Spadefoots
Spadefoots are a group of toad-like amphibians that are closely related to true toads. They share many similarities in appearance and behavior, including vertical pupils, smooth skin, and bony spades on their back feet for burrowing. Alabama is home to two species of spadefoots: the Eastern Spadefoot and the Cane Toad.
Characteristics
Spadefoots are typically medium-sized amphibians, with lengths ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. They have a relatively squat body shape and short legs. Their skin is often smooth and moist, resembling that of true toads. One of the most distinctive features of spadefoots is their vertical pupils, which give them a unique appearance.
These amphibians are known for their ability to burrow into the ground using their specialized hind feet. The bony spades on their back feet help them dig through the soil, allowing them to create underground chambers for shelter, hibernation, and reproduction. This burrowing behavior is especially beneficial during periods of extreme weather or when seeking protection from predators.
Eastern Spadefoot
The Eastern Spadefoot is a rare species to spot in Alabama, as they spend most of their time underground. They are primarily nocturnal and emerge after extended periods of rainfall to breed. Eastern Spadefoots have a broad distribution throughout the United States, but their populations can be locally restricted within specific habitats.
These spadefoots prefer sandy or loamy soil, as it is easier for them to dig burrows. They are commonly found in pine flatwoods, oak forests, grasslands, and other sandy habitats. During the breeding season, adult Eastern Spadefoots gather in temporary pools or wetlands to mate and lay their eggs. The tadpoles develop rapidly and transform into miniature versions of the adults within a few weeks.
Cane Toad
The Cane Toad is not native to Alabama and is considered an invasive species in the state. Originally from South America, they were introduced to various regions around the world, including parts of the United States. Cane Toads have a large size, often exceeding 4 to 6 inches in length. They are known for their toxic skin secretions, which can be harmful to both predators and humans.
These toads have a tough and warty skin, which acts as a defense mechanism against predators. Cane Toads possess prominent parotoid glands on the back of their heads, which secrete a milky toxin when they feel threatened. This toxin can cause severe irritation or even death to animals that attempt to eat or harm the toad.
In Alabama, populations of Cane Toads are mostly found in urban areas with suitable habitat and a source of water. They are often seen near human settlements, including gardens, lawns, and parks. Efforts are being made to control and manage the spread of Cane Toads, as they can have a negative impact on native wildlife and ecosystems.
In conclusion, Alabama is home to a diverse range of toad species, each with its own unique appearance and behavior. From the common American Toad to the rare Eastern Spadefoot, these amphibians play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. As inhabitants of forests, wetlands, and even urban environments, toads offer a friendly reminder of the rich biodiversity present in Alabama’s natural landscapes.
