Tree Frogs in Colorado: identification guide and best places to start

1. Where are tree frogs most likely to be noticed in Colorado?

Tree frogs in Colorado stick close to water. You’ll most often see them around permanent ponds, slow-moving streams, and marshy areas below 7,000 feet. The eastern plains, especially near the South Platte and Arkansas River drainages, hold the highest numbers. Check out ourtree frog species guidefor a full breakdown of Colorado’s common species.

2. What seasons and weather patterns help you find tree frogs?

The best window runs from April through July, when males call to attract mates. Warm, humid evenings after a rain shower are prime. Tree frogs are most active when temperatures stay above 60°F. If a summer thunderstorm passes through, head out right as it clears. For more statewide tips, seeColorado wildlife spotting.

3. How can you tell a tree frog from similar species?

Colorado’s tree frogs are small, usually 1 to 2 inches long. Look for enlarged toe pads that let them cling to vegetation. The most common is the boreal chorus frog, which has three dark stripes down its back. Unlike true frogs, tree frogs have smooth skin and a slender body. Their call is a short, high-pitched trill that rises in pitch.

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4. What are the best times of day to spot tree frogs?

Dusk and night are your best bets. Tree frogs are nocturnal and start calling about 30 minutes after sunset. During the day you might spot them hiding under leaves or in damp crevices, but they are much harder to find. Use a flashlight with a red filter to avoid startling them.

5. Why are tree frog calls important for identification?

Each species has a distinct call. The boreal chorus frog sounds like someone running a fingernail over a comb. The more rare canyon tree frog gives a slow, low-pitched trill. Learning the calls lets you identify frogs without ever seeing them. Record calls with your phone and compare them to online audio guides.

6. What should you look for in tree frog habitat?

Focus on shallow, vegetated water edges. Cattails, sedges, and overhanging shrubs are perfect cover. Tree frogs climb into low branches at night to call, so scan vegetation a few feet above the water. In dry periods they retreat to moist soil under logs. The best odds are in wetlands that stay wet all summer.

7. Show your tree frog finds with wildlife apparel

Once you’ve had a great night of spotting, you can wear your finds. Easy Street Markets has a few tree frog shirts that fit the mood.

### Amazon Rainforest Upper Orinoco Tree Frog Sweatshirt

A cozy sweatshirt featuring the vibrant Orinoco tree frog. Great for cool Colorado evenings.Check Price and Availability

### Tree Frog T-Shirt

A simple, classic design for everyday wear. Lightweight cotton.Check Price and Availability

### Vintage Tree Frog T-Shirt

A retro look with a faded print. Soft and broken-in from the first wear.Check Price and Availability

Browse morewildlife shirtsto complete your collection.

8. Frequently asked questions about tree frogs in Colorado

**Are tree frogs common in Colorado?** Yes, especially the boreal chorus frog. You can find them in any suitable wetland on the plains. **Can you keep a tree frog as a pet?** It is legal to collect a few for personal use with a fishing license, but captive care is tricky. Better to enjoy them in the wild. **Do tree frogs live in the mountains?** Rarely. Most stay below 7,000 feet. The canyon tree frog is found in canyons of the Western Slope up to about 8,000 feet. **What do tree frogs eat?** Small insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths. They help control pests around water. **When do tree frogs call?** Mainly from April to July, on warm nights. They call after rain and sometimes during the day if it’s overcast and humid.

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