Anaxyrus fowleri

Photo taken by J. Andrews.
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Distribution Map

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Identification

Fowler’s Toad is very similar to the American Toad, but instead of having a black and white speckled belly, it has a pure white belly with at most one central spot. The Fowler’s Toad has only small warts in the black spots along its back. It measures 2-3 inches long.

The Fowler’s Toad’s call is an unmusical “waaa” that has been likened to the sound of a sheep in distress. It may be heard in June and July, primarily at the beginning of July.

Like the American Toad, the Fowler’s eggs are laid in long strings.

Range/Habitat

Fowler’s Toad is very rare and has been found only in the southern Connecticut River Valley. It prefers naturally disturbed shorelines.

Status

This species has a state natural heritage rank of S1 (very rare). The Fowler’s Toad is a species of special concern. It has been designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (high priority) in Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan. Please report all sightings of this species in Vermont. Take photos if possible. Even historic sighting information is useful.

More Info

Anaxyrus fowleri was Bufo fowleri until 2008.

• Anaxyrus fowleri at Animal Diversity website
• Anaxyrus fowleri at the CARCNET website
• Anaxyrus fowleri at Amphibiaweb
• Bufo fowleri in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Action Plan (PDF)
• Bufo Fowleri at the Yale Peabody Museum website
• Listen to toad calls
  at Frog Quiz (QuickTime format)
  at CARCNET (.wav format)
  or from the Yale Peabody Museum (.wav format)

Species summary written by Kaile Burgess.