14 Types of Tree Frogs in Mississippi
Yes, Mississippi hosts several tree frog species. Start by listening for their calls near ponds and swamps in spring and summer. The most common are the Gray Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, and the smaller Spring Peeper. Look for toe pads and skin textures to separate them from other frogs.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
14 types of tree frogs recorded in Mississippi
14 tree frog species have a verified observation record in Mississippi, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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10- No openly licensed photo yet11
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Also recorded in Mississippi
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Southern Chorus FrogNativePseudacris nigrita | Pseudacris nigrita | 20 |
| 14 | Blanchard's Cricket FrogNativeAcris blanchardi | Acris blanchardi | 19 |
Plus 2 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.
Yes, Mississippi hosts several tree frog species. Start by listening for their calls near ponds and swamps in spring and summer. The most common are the Gray Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, and the smaller Spring Peeper. Look for toe pads and skin textures to separate them from other frogs.
1. What tree frog species are found in Mississippi?
Mississippi has at least six species: Gray Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, Spring Peeper, Squirrel Tree Frog, Cope's Gray Tree Frog, and Bird-voiced Tree Frog. The Gray and Green Tree Frogs are most often seen. Cope's Gray and the regular Gray look nearly identical and are best separated by call.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In Mississippi, tree frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How do you identify a tree frog in Mississippi?
Key field marks include toe pads (expanded tips), smooth skin (sometimes granular), and vertical pupils. Gray Tree Frogs have a mottled gray pattern that can change color. Green Tree Frogs are bright green with a white or yellow side stripe. Spring Peepers are tiny (under 1.5 inches) with an X-shaped mark on the back. Compare with /animals/tree-frog for more detail.
See ourTree Frogs guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Mississippi can you find tree frogs?
Start near water: swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow streams. The Delta and Piney Woods regions offer good odds. Look on low vegetation, tree trunks, or around porch lights after rain. The DeSoto National Forest and Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge are reliable spots. Check /wildlife/mississippi for state-wide birding and herping areas.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for tree frog sightings?
Late March through June is prime time. This matches breeding season when males call at night. After heavy rains in spring, look for them on roads or near puddles. Summer evenings remain active, but fall and winter you'll mostly find Gray Tree Frogs that can tolerate cooler weather. Best odds are in April and May.
5. How do tree frog calls differ by species?
Green Tree Frogs give a nasal "queenk-queenk" or barking call. Gray Tree Frogs produce a musical trill. Spring Peepers make a high-pitched whistle. Bird-voiced Tree Frogs sound like a bird. Use recordings to match what you hear. The /animals/tree-frog page has more call descriptions.
6. What should you know about lookalikes?
Tree frogs are often confused with young bullfrogs or leopard frogs. Bullfrogs lack toe pads and have a ridge running from eye to eardrum. Leopard frogs have spots and dorsal folds. True tree frogs have expanded toe pads and are usually in shrubs or trees, not in water. Look for sticky pads to confirm.
7. When should you look for tree frogs in Mississippi?
Nighttime after rain is best. Start at dusk. In early spring, listen from 7 PM to midnight. Summer calls may continue overnight. Use a flashlight to spot eye shine. Pause often: their calls are short and can be hard to locate. Bring a field guide or use a frog call app.
8. Recommended gear for tree frog spotting
You don't need much: rubber boots, a headlamp, and a simple camera. For night work, a red filter helps avoid spooking frogs. If you want to commemorate your find, check the /t-shirts page for tree frog designs.
9. Consider these tree frog themed shirts
If you enjoy spotting tree frogs, a shirt can show your interest. Here are a few options:
Amazon Rainforest Upper Orinoco Tree Frog Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt features a vivid tree frog design, comfortable for cooler evenings in the field.Check Price and Availability
Tree Frog T-Shirt
A classic tee showing a green tree frog, great for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Tree Frog T-Shirt
Retro style with a detailed tree frog illustration.Check Price and Availability
Explore more options on our /t-shirts page.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What tree frog species are found in Mississippi?+
Mississippi has at least six species: Gray Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, Spring Peeper, Squirrel Tree Frog, Cope's Gray Tree Frog, and Bird-voiced Tree Frog. The Gray and Green Tree Frogs are most often seen. Cope's Gray and the regular Gray look nearly identical and are best separated by call. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Mississippi, tree frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How do you identify a tree frog in Mississippi?+
Key field marks include toe pads (expanded tips), smooth skin (sometimes granular), and vertical pupils. Gray Tree Frogs have a mottled gray pattern that can change color. Green Tree Frogs are bright green with a white or yellow side stripe. Spring Peepers are tiny (under 1.5 inches) with an X-shaped mark on the back. Compare with /animals/tree-frog for more detail. See ourTree Frogs guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Mississippi can you find tree frogs?+
Start near water: swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow streams. The Delta and Piney Woods regions offer good odds. Look on low vegetation, tree trunks, or around porch lights after rain. The DeSoto National Forest and Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge are reliable spots. Check /wildlife/mississippi for state-wide birding and herping areas. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for tree frog sightings?+
Late March through June is prime time. This matches breeding season when males call at night. After heavy rains in spring, look for them on roads or near puddles. Summer evenings remain active, but fall and winter you'll mostly find Gray Tree Frogs that can tolerate cooler weather. Best odds are in April and May.
5. How do tree frog calls differ by species?+
Green Tree Frogs give a nasal "queenk-queenk" or barking call. Gray Tree Frogs produce a musical trill. Spring Peepers make a high-pitched whistle. Bird-voiced Tree Frogs sound like a bird. Use recordings to match what you hear. The /animals/tree-frog page has more call descriptions.
6. What should you know about lookalikes?+
Tree frogs are often confused with young bullfrogs or leopard frogs. Bullfrogs lack toe pads and have a ridge running from eye to eardrum. Leopard frogs have spots and dorsal folds. True tree frogs have expanded toe pads and are usually in shrubs or trees, not in water. Look for sticky pads to confirm.
7. When should you look for tree frogs in Mississippi?+
Nighttime after rain is best. Start at dusk. In early spring, listen from 7 PM to midnight. Summer calls may continue overnight. Use a flashlight to spot eye shine. Pause often: their calls are short and can be hard to locate. Bring a field guide or use a frog call app.
Keep exploring
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Common questions about tree frogs