23 Types of Frogs in California
California hosts over 30 frog species, from the Pacific tree frog to the foothill yellow-legged frog. If you want to identify them, start in coastal streams or vernal pools during late winter and spring. This guide covers the most common species, where to spot them, and how to tell lookalikes apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- April, May, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
23 types of frogs recorded in California
23 frog species have a verified observation record in California, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
3 of the 23 shown are recorded as introduced to California rather than native, and 3 are endemic to California, found here and effectively nowhere else.
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Also recorded in California
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Arroyo ToadNativeAnaxyrus californicus | Anaxyrus californicus | 434 |
| 14 | African Clawed FrogIntroducedXenopus laevis | Xenopus laevis | 421 |
| 15 | Coastal Tailed FrogNativeAscaphus truei | Ascaphus truei | 334 |
| 16 | Woodhouse's ToadNativeAnaxyrus woodhousii | Anaxyrus woodhousii | 292 |
| 17 | Black ToadEndemicAnaxyrus exsul | Anaxyrus exsul | 216 |
| 18 | Great Basin SpadefootNativeSpea intermontana | Spea intermontana | 181 |
| 19 | Rio Grande Leopard FrogIntroducedLithobates berlandieri | Lithobates berlandieri | 106 |
| 20 | Southern Mountain Yellow-legged FrogEndemicRana muscosa | Rana muscosa | 93 |
| 21 | Great Plains ToadNativeAnaxyrus cognatus | Anaxyrus cognatus | 31 |
| 22 | Couch's SpadefootNativeScaphiopus couchii | Scaphiopus couchii | 29 |
| 23 | Cuban Tree FrogOsteopilus septentrionalis | Osteopilus septentrionalis | 16 |
Plus 7 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
115,235 verified observations on iNaturalist of frog have been recorded in California, most often in April, May, June.
When frog are recorded in California
California hosts over 30 frog species, from the Pacific tree frog to the foothill yellow-legged frog. If you want to identify them, start in coastal streams or vernal pools during late winter and spring. This guide covers the most common species, where to spot them, and how to tell lookalikes apart.
What are the most common frogs you'll find in California?
The species you will most often run into are the Pacific tree frog (*Pseudacris regilla*), California red-legged frog (*Rana draytonii*), and American bullfrog (*Lithobates catesbeianus*). The Pacific tree frog is tiny (1-2 inches) with a dark stripe through its eye and sticky toe pads. The red-legged frog is larger (2-5 inches) with a reddish underside. The bullfrog is the giant of the group (3-8 inches) with a plain green or brown face and no facial stripe.
Where in California do people usually spot frogs first?
Start with slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes near the coast or in the Central Valley. The Pacific tree frog is everywhere from coastal sage scrub to high Sierra lakes. Red-legged frogs favor overgrown ponds with cattails. For the best odds, look in Sonoma County's vernal pools or the wetlands around Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. For more on habitat, see ourfrog species overview.
What is the best season for frog sightings in California?
Late winter through early spring (February to April) is prime time. That is when most frogs breed and call loudly at night. After spring rains, look for egg masses in shallow water. Summer is good for bullfrogs and foothill yellow-legged frogs along slower rivers. For general California wildlife viewing tips, check out ourCalifornia wildlife guide.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell California's lookalike frogs apart?
The trickiest pair is the California red-legged frog versus the bullfrog. Red-legged frogs have a reddish belly and a pale jaw stripe, while bullfrogs lack any stripe and have a white belly. Another pair: Pacific tree frog vs. Sierran tree frog. These are actually the same species split by location; look at the call. The Pacific tree frog has a two-part "ribbit" while the Sierran tree frog has a longer, slower trill.
What should you bring for a frog-spotting trip?
A flashlight with a red filter (frogs don't see red light well), rubber boots, and a camera with a macro lens. A simple field guide is also handy. On a recent trip to the Cosumnes River Preserve, I used an old Peterson guide and found five species within an hour. For more gear ideas, browse ourfrog-spotting shirtsif you want to show your find later.
Where can I find dedicated frog habitat maps?
For interactive maps showing recent frog sightings, check ourfrog sightings by state page. Many parks like Point Reyes National Seashore have documented breeding sites for red-legged frogs.
Frog-themed art prints to help you remember your sighting
After a successful frog hunt, consider a print to remind you of the species you saw. These art prints capture the look and feel of California's frogs without needing a live specimen.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A vivid close-up that highlights the iconic red eyes and blue striped flanks. Great for a home office or field journal room.
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
This rare eastern species is shown with its bright green body and dark side stripes. A good reference for tree frog identification.
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire on Artfully Walls
A minimalist illustration style that fits any decor. Perfect for the naturalist who wants subtle frog art.
Are there poisonous frogs in California?
California has no poisonous frogs. The most toxic native frog is the western toad, which secretes bufotoxin that can irritate skin but is not deadly. The introduced green and black poison dart frog is not established in the wild here. You can handle most frogs safely, but wash your hands after.
Do frogs in California hibernate?
Yes. Most frogs enter a state of hibernation called brumation during cold months. They bury themselves in mud at the bottom of ponds or hide under logs. You'll see them emerge in late February when temperatures rise above 50°F. In coastal areas, some species stay active year-round if weather stays mild.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common frogs you'll find in California?+
The species you will most often run into are the Pacific tree frog (*Pseudacris regilla*), California red-legged frog (*Rana draytonii*), and American bullfrog (*Lithobates catesbeianus*). The Pacific tree frog is tiny (1-2 inches) with a dark stripe through its eye and sticky toe pads. The red-legged frog is larger (2-5 inches) with a reddish underside. The bullfrog is the giant of the group (3-8 inches) with a plain green or brown face and no facial stripe.
Where in California do people usually spot frogs first?+
Start with slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes near the coast or in the Central Valley. The Pacific tree frog is everywhere from coastal sage scrub to high Sierra lakes. Red-legged frogs favor overgrown ponds with cattails. For the best odds, look in Sonoma County's vernal pools or the wetlands around Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. For more on habitat, see ourfrog species overview.
What is the best season for frog sightings in California?+
Late winter through early spring (February to April) is prime time. That is when most frogs breed and call loudly at night. After spring rains, look for egg masses in shallow water. Summer is good for bullfrogs and foothill yellow-legged frogs along slower rivers. For general California wildlife viewing tips, check out ourCalifornia wildlife guide. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell California's lookalike frogs apart?+
The trickiest pair is the California red-legged frog versus the bullfrog. Red-legged frogs have a reddish belly and a pale jaw stripe, while bullfrogs lack any stripe and have a white belly. Another pair: Pacific tree frog vs. Sierran tree frog. These are actually the same species split by location; look at the call. The Pacific tree frog has a two-part "ribbit" while the Sierran tree frog has a longer, slower trill.
What should you bring for a frog-spotting trip?+
A flashlight with a red filter (frogs don't see red light well), rubber boots, and a camera with a macro lens. A simple field guide is also handy. On a recent trip to the Cosumnes River Preserve, I used an old Peterson guide and found five species within an hour. For more gear ideas, browse ourfrog-spotting shirtsif you want to show your find later.
Where can I find dedicated frog habitat maps?+
For interactive maps showing recent frog sightings, check ourfrog sightings by state page. Many parks like Point Reyes National Seashore have documented breeding sites for red-legged frogs.
Are there poisonous frogs in California?+
California has no poisonous frogs. The most toxic native frog is the western toad, which secretes bufotoxin that can irritate skin but is not deadly. The introduced green and black poison dart frog is not established in the wild here. You can handle most frogs safely, but wash your hands after.
Do frogs in California hibernate?+
Yes. Most frogs enter a state of hibernation called brumation during cold months. They bury themselves in mud at the bottom of ponds or hide under logs. You'll see them emerge in late February when temperatures rise above 50°F. In coastal areas, some species stay active year-round if weather stays mild. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in California