Tree Frogs in Montana: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, tree frogs are found in Montana, though the most common species is the Boreal Chorus Frog, often mistaken for a tree frog. Look for them near ponds and wetlands in eastern and central Montana from April to July. Their small size, dark stripe through the eye, and loud, rising trill make them easier to identify than you might think.
Yes, tree frogs are found in Montana, though the most common species is the Boreal Chorus Frog, often mistaken for a tree frog. Look for them near ponds and wetlands in eastern and central Montana from April to July. Their small size, dark stripe through the eye, and loud, rising trill make them easier to identify than you might think.
1. What Tree Frog Species Are Found in Montana?
Montana is home to one primary tree frog relative: the Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata). It is not a true tree frog but fills the same niche and is often called a tree frog. A second species, the Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla), is possible in the far western counties near Idaho, but sightings there are rare and unconfirmed. The Boreal Chorus Frog is small, about 1 to 1.5 inches, with a dark stripe through the eye and a white line along the upper lip. Its back color varies from green to brown, and it has a distinctive dark triangle between the eyes. For more on identifying this species, visit ourtree frog identification hub.
2. How Can You Identify Tree Frogs in the Field?
Focus on three key markers: size, eye stripe, and call. Boreal Chorus Frogs are tiny enough to sit on a thumbnail. The dark stripe through the eye is their most reliable field mark. Their call is a short, high-pitched trill that rises in pitch and lasts about one second. Listen after dusk in spring near shallow water. They often call from low vegetation or even from the water. If you hear a single long trill (not a series of peeps), you are likely hearing a Boreal Chorus Frog.
3. Where in Montana Are You Most Likely to See Tree Frogs?
Your best odds are in the eastern two-thirds of the state, especially on the plains and prairies. Look for temporary ponds, flooded fields, and marshy edges of slow streams. The Boreal Chorus Frog breeds in fishless, ephemeral water bodies that warm quickly in spring. Good starting points include the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and the flooded meadows around the Missouri River breaks. For a statewide perspective, check ourMontana wildlife guidefor more hotspots.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When Is the Best Time to Spot Tree Frogs in Montana?
Peak activity runs from mid-April through early June, right after snowmelt when daytime temperatures reach the 50s and 60s. Warm, rainy evenings are ideal. The frogs breed explosively: males gather at ponds and call for a few weeks, then disappear. After breeding, adults become secretive and are hard to find. If you want to see and hear them, plan your trip for late April or early May. Dawn and dusk are the best times.
5. What Are the Common Lookalikes and How to Tell Them Apart?
The most likely confusion is with the Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata), which is nearly identical. In Montana, the two are considered the same species by some authorities, but if you need to split them, note that Boreal Chorus Frogs have a triangle between the eyes and a shorter, faster trill. Other small frogs like the Columbia Spotted Frog lack the dark eye stripe and have a different call. Also, young Wood Frogs have a dark cheek patch but no stripe through the eye. Use the eye stripe as your primary filter.
6. What Gear or Resources Help with Frog Spotting?
You don't need much: rubber boots, a flashlight with a red filter (to avoid startling them), and a field guide. But if you want to share your love for tree frogs, a fun T-shirt can start conversations. Check out these tree frog designs from Easy Street Markets:
### Tree Frog T-Shirt
A simple, clean design featuring a classic tree frog silhouette. Great for wearing on your next pond visit.Check Price and Availability
### Amazon Rainforest Upper Orinoco Tree Frog Sweatshirt
A rainforest-themed sweatshirt featuring a colorful tree frog. Perfect for cooler evenings after a day of herping.Check Price and Availability
### Vintage Tree Frog T-Shirt
A retro-styled tree frog graphic with a worn-in look. It comes on a comfortable cotton tee.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife apparel, browse ourtree frog T-shirts collection.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Tree Frogs
**Q: Are tree frogs endangered in Montana?** A: No, the Boreal Chorus Frog is considered secure in Montana, though habitat loss from drainage of wetlands is a concern.
**Q: Can I keep a tree frog as a pet if I find one?** A: It is illegal to collect native amphibians from the wild without a permit. Enjoy them in their natural habitat.
**Q: What do tree frogs eat in Montana?** A: They eat small insects and spiders, including mosquitoes, flies, and beetle larvae. They hunt at night near water.
**Q: How long do tree frogs live?** A: Boreal Chorus Frogs typically live 2 to 4 years in the wild.
**Q: Do tree frogs live in the mountains?** A: They are mostly restricted to lower elevations below 6,000 feet. The mountains of western Montana are less likely to have them.
8. How to Prepare for a Frog-Watching Trip in Montana
Start by checking weather forecasts: you want a warm, damp evening after rain. Bring a headlamp, rubber boots, and a waterproof notebook. A small net can help capture and release for closer looks. Use a field guide app or a printed key to confirm ID. Be respectful of breeding sites: walk softly, avoid trampling vegetation, and never handle frogs with dry hands (they absorb chemicals through their skin). For more detailed planning, ourMontana wildlife pagehas seasonal tips.
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