ALWAYS THE SAME CROAK?
Frogs can ribbit, croak, cluck, bark, grunt, whistle, and peep.
“Over the course of evolution, every frog species has developed
its own characteristic mating call,” says amphibian expert Tom
Kirschey. The wide variety of different rhythms and sounds is an
indication of the fierce territorial competition in a given pond.
Male frogs typically vocalize by squeezing their lungs with their
nostrils and mouth shut. Air flows across their vocal cords and
into their vocal sacs, which inflate like a bubble-gum balloon.
Frogs may intentionally sound off in order to attract a mate or
mark their territory or because they’re hurt or frightened. And
in case you’re wondering—no, all frogs don’t “speak” the same
language: The same frog species that says “ribbit” in English
says “cru-cru” in Spanish, “quaak-quaak” in German, “guo guo”
in Chinese, and “bre-ke-ke” in Hungarian.OF HIS BELOVED?
HOW DOES A FROG
WIN THE
HEART
What ignites passion in a female frog?
Two things, for starters: the male’s
powerful voice and his shiny green
skin. An obstacle to love at first sight:
Frogs will change color depending on
their location. It takes direct sunlight
to turn a male the glossy green that
the ladies love.