Do Cuban Tree Frogs Make Noise? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, Cuban tree frogs do make noise, and in fact, they are quite vocal, especially during breeding season and at night. Their calls are a distinctive sound often heard in areas where they have become established, and they can be surprisingly loud for their size. Understanding their calls can help you identify their presence and learn about their behavior.

What Does a Cuban Tree Frog Sound Like?

The call of a Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is quite distinctive and, once heard, is often easily recognizable. It's not the typical "ribbit" you might associate with many frogs, but rather a more grating and robust sound.

Key characteristics of a Cuban tree frog's call:

• Sound description: The most common call is a squeaky, raspy "quack" or "chirk" sound. It's often described as sounding like a very loud, metallic squeak, or sometimes like a creaking door.
• Pitch: The call is generally high-pitched.
• Repetition: They typically repeat their calls rapidly, forming a chorus when many frogs are present. The individual calls come in quick succession.
• Volume: For their size (they can grow quite large for a tree frog), their calls are surprisingly loud and can easily carry over considerable distances. A large chorus can be quite deafening.
• Frequency: Their calls are most prominent during the breeding season, which typically occurs after heavy rains or during periods of high humidity and warm temperatures.
• Time of day: Like many frogs, Cuban tree frogs are primarily nocturnal callers. Their choruses usually begin at dusk and continue throughout the night, often peaking in the hours before dawn.
• Context: The calling is usually done by male Cuban tree frogs to attract females for breeding. They will call from elevated positions near water sources, such as trees, shrubs, or even structures around homes.

If you live in an area where Cuban tree frogs are prevalent (like Florida or other parts of the Southeastern United States), you'll likely hear their calls emanating from your yard, around swimming pools, or from trees, especially after a warm rain. Many residents find their loud calls to be a noticeable, and sometimes intrusive, part of the nighttime soundscape.

Why Do Cuban Tree Frogs Make Noise?

The noises made by Cuban tree frogs are not random; they serve specific biological and behavioral purposes. Like many anurans (frogs and toads), their vocalizations are a crucial part of their life cycle and interactions.

The primary reasons Cuban tree frogs make noise:

1. Attracting Mates (Breeding Call): This is the main reason you'll hear the loud, distinctive "quack" or "chirk" of a Cuban tree frog.
   • Male behavior: Primarily, male Cuban tree frogs are the ones that call. They use their calls to advertise their presence to receptive females, signaling their location and readiness to breed.
   • Breeding season: Calling intensity is highest during the breeding season, which often coincides with periods of warm temperatures and heavy rainfall (e.g., spring and summer in Florida), as temporary water bodies become available for egg-laying.
   • Competition: Males will often call in large choruses, creating a competitive soundscape where individual frogs try to outcompete others for female attention.
2. Territorial Disputes (Aggressive Calls): While less common than breeding calls, male Cuban tree frogs might also emit different calls to assert dominance or warn off rival males. These calls might be shorter, sharper, or more aggressive when another male encroaches on their calling territory.
3. Alarm/Distress Calls: If a Cuban tree frog is startled, captured by a predator, or feels threatened, it might emit a different type of call. These are often shrill, piercing squeaks or screams, designed to startle a predator or alert other frogs to danger. These are not typically part of the regular nighttime chorus.
4. Rain Calls (Less defined): Like many amphibians, Cuban tree frogs are highly sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure and humidity. While not a distinct call type, increased calling activity is often noted before or during rain, likely related to the optimal conditions for breeding that rain brings.

Understanding these reasons helps clarify that the loud, nocturnal symphony of Cuban tree frogs is a natural and essential part of their reproductive cycle and survival strategy, particularly in their invasive habitats where rapid colonization is key.

When Do Cuban Tree Frogs Make Noise?

The timing of when Cuban tree frogs make noise is quite predictable and is heavily influenced by environmental factors and their reproductive cycle. Their calls are not a constant feature throughout the day or year, but rather occur during specific periods.

Key times when Cuban tree frogs make noise:

• Nocturnal Activity (Predominantly at night):
  • Dusk to Dawn: The most consistent period of calling activity is from dusk through the night, often peaking in the hours before dawn. Like many nocturnal amphibians, they become active and vocal as temperatures cool and humidity rises after sunset.
  • Silence during the day: You will rarely hear a Cuban tree frog calling during daylight hours, as they typically hide and conserve moisture.
• Breeding Season:
  • Warm, wet months: Their peak breeding season, and thus the loudest and most frequent calling, occurs during the warm, wet months. In Florida, this typically spans from spring through summer and into early fall (roughly March/April through September/October).
  • After heavy rains: Calling intensity significantly increases after heavy rainfall. Rain creates temporary pools and elevates humidity, signaling ideal conditions for egg-laying and larval development.
• Year-Round (Sporadic in warm areas):
  • In consistently warm, humid environments (like parts of south Florida), you might hear some sporadic calling even outside the main breeding season, especially after an unexpected rain shower. However, the chorus will be much less intense than during peak breeding.
• Temperature Influence:
  • Above 60°F (15°C): Cuban tree frogs generally start calling when temperatures are above roughly 60°F (15°C). The warmer the ambient temperature (within their comfortable range), the more active and vocal they tend to be.
  • Below 60°F: As temperatures drop below this threshold, calling activity diminishes rapidly.

So, if you live in an area with a large Cuban tree frog population, expect a nightly chorus, particularly during the warmer, wetter parts of the year, often reaching a crescendo after a good rainstorm.

How Loud Are Cuban Tree Frog Calls?

The calls of Cuban tree frogs are often described as surprisingly loud, especially considering the size of the individual frog. Their collective calls in a chorus can be quite impactful and, for some residents, a significant source of noise.

Factors contributing to the loudness of Cuban tree frog calls:

• Individual Volume: A single male Cuban tree frog can produce a call that is remarkably loud for its size (which can range from 1.5 to 5 inches, or 3.8 to 12.7 cm). The sound is often described as a high-pitched, raspy "quack" or "chirk" that carries well.
• Chorus Effect: The true impact of their loudness comes when many males gather to call in a chorus. During peak breeding season, hundreds or even thousands of males can congregate around water sources, creating a cacophony that can be deafening.
  • Decibel Levels: While precise decibel measurements vary with distance and environmental factors, a chorus of Cuban tree frogs can easily reach levels comparable to loud human conversation, busy traffic, or even exceeding 70-80 decibels in close proximity. This can be disturbing to human sleep and interfere with other outdoor activities.
• Acoustic Properties of the Environment: Their calls often echo and amplify in suburban environments. They call from trees, shrubs, and even the sides of houses, using these surfaces to help project their sound. The presence of water (ponds, swimming pools) also acts as an acoustic enhancer.
• Nocturnal Setting: Because they call at night when other ambient noise is generally lower, their calls become even more noticeable and can seem louder in the quiet darkness.
• Proximity: If a Cuban tree frog is calling directly outside your window or near an open door, the sound can be quite intrusive.

Many residents in areas heavily invaded by Cuban tree frogs report that the noise is one of the most frustrating aspects of their presence, often disrupting sleep and outdoor peace. This loudness is a testament to their reproductive drive and their success as an invasive species.

Why Are Cuban Tree Frogs Considered an Invasive Species?

Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are widely recognized as a highly successful and destructive invasive species in areas like Florida, parts of the Southeastern United States, and the Caribbean. Their presence causes significant ecological and economic problems.

Key reasons why Cuban tree frogs are considered an invasive species:

1. Predation on Native Wildlife: This is one of their most damaging impacts. Cuban tree frogs are voracious predators and will eat almost anything they can fit into their mouths, including:
   • Native frogs and toads: They actively consume smaller native tree frogs and other anurans, directly competing for food resources and leading to population declines of native species.
   • Lizards: They prey on native lizards.
   • Insects: While they eat insects (which can be a minor benefit), their consumption of beneficial insects and pollinators outweighs any pest control.
   • Cannibalism: They will even eat smaller Cuban tree frogs.
2. Competition with Native Species: Beyond direct predation, they outcompete native amphibians for food, shelter (hiding spots during the day), and breeding sites. Their rapid reproduction rates and ability to thrive in disturbed habitats give them an edge.
3. Rapid Reproduction and High Fecundity: Cuban tree frogs reproduce quickly and in large numbers. A single female can lay thousands of eggs multiple times a year, leading to rapid population growth and spread.
4. Tolerance to Varied Habitats: They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of habitats, from natural wetlands to highly urbanized environments, including suburban yards, agricultural fields, and disturbed ecosystems.
5. Toxic Skin Secretions: Cuban tree frogs secrete a noxious, irritating mucus from their skin. While not lethal to humans, it can cause skin irritation, burning in the eyes, and can be very harmful to pets (dogs and cats) that try to eat or mouth them, causing excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, gagging, and other symptoms. This toxicity makes them unpalatable or harmful to some native predators.
6. Disruption of Ecosystems: By reducing native frog populations, they disrupt the delicate balance of local food webs and ecosystems.
7. Economic Impact:
   • Power outages: They are known to climb into electrical boxes and short out power transformers, causing power outages and costing utility companies significant money.
   • Noise pollution: Their loud, incessant calls are a significant nuisance to residents, impacting quality of life.

Due to these widespread negative impacts, experts urge residents in invaded areas to take steps to remove and humanely euthanize Cuban tree frogs to protect native wildlife.

How to Identify a Cuban Tree Frog by Its Call

Identifying a Cuban tree frog by its call is a skill that can be developed over time, and it's particularly useful in areas where they are an invasive species. Once you recognize their distinct vocalization, it becomes quite easy to pick them out from a chorus of native frogs.

Key features to listen for when identifying a Cuban tree frog call:

1. The "Quack" or "Chirk" Sound: This is the most characteristic element. It's not a typical "ribbit" or "croak." Listen for a squeaky, raspy, or metallic "quack," "chirk," or "hrank" sound.
   • Think of a creaking door, a squeaky toy, or sometimes even like the sound of someone filing metal.
2. High-Pitched: The call is generally high-pitched compared to many other common frogs.
3. Repetitive and Rapid: They often call in quick succession, repeating the "quack" many times. In a chorus, these rapid repetitions blend together.
4. Loudness: For their size, their calls are surprisingly loud and robust. Even a single frog can make a noticeable sound that carries well.
5. Nocturnal Timing: If you hear this distinct call at night, from dusk until dawn, especially after rain, it's a strong indicator.
6. Location of Call: They typically call from elevated positions near water: in trees, on shrubs, on the sides of houses, in gutters, or around swimming pools.

Distinguishing from native frogs (in Florida, for example):

• Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea): Calls with a distinct, repeated "quack-quack-quack," but it's generally much softer, more melodic, and less raspy than the Cuban tree frog's call. The green tree frog's call is often likened to a cowbell sound from a distance.
• Squirrel Tree Frog (Hyla squirella): Has a harsh, short, raspy "waaaak" or "quack," similar to a squirrel. It can sometimes be confused with the Cuban tree frog due to its raspy quality, but the Cuban tree frog's call is typically louder, more squeaky, and often more drawn out.
• Pine Woods Tree Frog (Hyla femoralis): Has a more machine-gun like, rapid, staccato "ack-ack-ack" call.

Tips for identification:

• Listen to recordings: Familiarize yourself with recordings of Cuban tree frog calls and compare them to native species in your area. Many state wildlife or university websites (e.g., University of Florida) have sound libraries.
• Isolate a single caller: If possible, try to focus on an individual frog's call rather than a full chorus to pick out the distinct characteristics.
• Consider size and appearance: If you see the frog, Cuban tree frogs are generally larger than most native tree frogs and often have rougher, warty skin, prominent eyes, and large toe pads. Their color is highly variable.

By actively listening for the unique, loud, raspy "quack" during nighttime hours, especially after rain, you can confidently identify the presence of Cuban tree frogs in your environment.

What Are the Environmental Impacts of Cuban Tree Frog Noise?

While the direct noise of Cuban tree frogs might seem like a mere nuisance to humans, the extensive and loud vocalizations of this invasive species can have broader environmental impacts on native ecosystems. These impacts often stem from the disruption of natural soundscapes and the competitive advantages of the Cuban tree frog.

Key environmental impacts related to Cuban tree frog noise:

1. Disruption of Native Species' Communication:
   • Acoustic interference: The sheer volume and frequency of Cuban tree frog calls can create acoustic interference for native frog species. Native frogs rely on their specific calls for mating, territorial defense, and predator warnings. If their calls are drowned out or masked by the louder, more numerous Cuban tree frogs, their ability to communicate effectively can be severely hampered.
   • Reduced breeding success: This acoustic masking can lead to reduced breeding success for native frogs, as females struggle to locate conspecific males, and males struggle to establish territories.
2. Competitive Advantage: The aggressive and loud calling of Cuban tree frogs might allow them to dominate prime calling locations near breeding sites, further pushing out native species that cannot compete with the same vocal intensity or numbers.
3. Altered Nocturnal Soundscape: The natural soundscape of a given ecosystem is an important characteristic. The introduction of a new, dominant vocalization from an invasive species fundamentally alters this soundscape, creating a more homogenous and less diverse acoustic environment.
4. Indirect Predation Pressure: The loud calls, while for breeding, also indicate a high population density of Cuban tree frogs. This high density itself puts more predation pressure on native invertebrates and smaller vertebrates within the ecosystem, further disrupting food webs.
5. Human Perception and Action: While not a direct ecological impact on wildlife, the extreme noise pollution leads to significant human concern and, often, intervention (like removal efforts). This human response, though aimed at mitigating an invasive species, can itself be a factor in how the local environment is managed.

The constant, loud noise of Cuban tree frogs is more than just an irritating sound for humans; it represents a significant symptom of their invasive success and their ability to fundamentally alter the communication and ecological balance within invaded habitats, creating a more challenging environment for native amphibian species to survive and reproduce.

How to Reduce Cuban Tree Frog Noise Around Your Home

If you live in an area where Cuban tree frogs are an invasive species, their loud, nocturnal calls can be a significant nuisance. While complete eradication might be impossible, there are several steps you can take to reduce Cuban tree frog noise around your home and mitigate their presence.

Strategies to reduce Cuban tree frog noise and populations:

1. Remove Standing Water (Breeding Sites):
   • Empty containers: Regularly empty saucers under potted plants, buckets, old tires, bird baths, and any other containers that collect water.
   • Clean gutters: Clogged gutters can hold water and become breeding sites.
   • Maintain pools: Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated.
   • Drain low spots: Address any areas in your yard where water consistently pools after rain.
   • This targets the source of their rapid reproduction.
2. Eliminate Hiding Spots:
   • Seal cracks and crevices: Seal gaps in exterior walls, around windows, and under eaves where frogs might hide during the day.
   • Tidy landscaping: Remove excessive leaf litter, piles of wood, or clutter around your yard that provides cool, moist daytime hiding spots.
   • Check outdoor fixtures: Regularly inspect meter boxes, utility boxes, and downspouts, as these are common hiding places.
3. Reduce Food Sources:
   • Exterior lighting: Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night or switch to bug-attracting yellow "bug lights." Lights attract insects, which are a primary food source for Cuban tree frogs. Motion-sensor lights are a good compromise.
   • Pest control (judiciously): If you have a severe insect problem, addressing it can indirectly reduce the frog's food supply.
4. Create Physical Barriers:
   • Screened enclosures: If you have a lanai or screened pool enclosure, ensure all screens are in good repair to keep frogs out.
   • Seal entry points: Ensure doors and windows fit tightly and have good weather stripping.
5. Humane Euthanasia (Recommended in Invasive Areas):
   • In many regions where Cuban tree frogs are invasive (like Florida), wildlife agencies recommend and encourage humanely euthanizing them to protect native species.
   • Method: The most widely recommended method is to use a specific amount of 20% benzocaine gel or cream (often sold as hemorrhoid cream like Anbesol or Orajel) applied to the frog's back or belly. This anesthetizes the frog. Once unresponsive, place it in a sealed bag in the freezer for 24 hours to ensure euthanasia.
   • Never release: Do not catch and release them elsewhere, as this simply spreads the problem.
   • Wear gloves: Always wear rubber gloves when handling Cuban tree frogs, as their skin secretions can be irritating to human skin and eyes.
6. Catching Methods:
   • By hand: Wear gloves and grab them carefully.
   • Net: A small fish net can be used to catch them.
   • PVC traps: Simple homemade traps using PVC pipe can attract and capture them.

Reducing the Cuban tree frog population and their attractive habitat elements around your home is the most effective way to quiet their nocturnal choruses and protect native wildlife from this aggressive invasive species.