7 Types of Tree Frogs in New Jersey
Yes, New Jersey has three tree frog species. The Gray Tree Frog and Spring Peeper are common across the state, found in wetlands and wooded areas. The Pine Barrens Tree Frog is rare and protected, occurring only in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. You can identify each by size, skin texture, color patterns, and their distinctive calls during breeding season from spring through early summer.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- May, March, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
7 types of tree frogs recorded in New Jersey
7 tree frog species have a verified observation record in New Jersey, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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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.
More on tree frogs in New Jersey:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
4,848 verified observations on iNaturalist of tree frog have been recorded in New Jersey, most often in May, March, June.
When tree frog are recorded in New Jersey
Yes, New Jersey has three tree frog species. The Gray Tree Frog and Spring Peeper are common across the state, found in wetlands and wooded areas. The Pine Barrens Tree Frog is rare and protected, occurring only in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. You can identify each by size, skin texture, color patterns, and their distinctive calls during breeding season from spring through early summer.
What are the main tree frog species in New Jersey?
New Jersey hosts three species. The Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) is the largest and most widespread. The Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is tiny and heard throughout the state during spring. The Pine Barrens Tree Frog (Hyla andersonii) is rare, found only in the Pine Barrens region of Burlington and Ocean counties. Each has adapted to specific habitats and breeding schedules.
How big is a Gray Tree Frog compared to other species?
Gray Tree Frogs measure 1.25 to 2 inches long, making them the largest tree frogs in New Jersey. Spring Peepers are under 1.25 inches, roughly the size of a dime. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs are similar in length to Gray Tree Frogs, about 1.5 to 2 inches. Size alone is not a reliable ID tool for young frogs, so look at color and patterns first.
Gray Tree Frog identification and habitat
The Gray Tree Frog has bumpy, warty skin that shifts from gray to green depending on its background. Bright yellow or orange-yellow patches appear under its legs and on its groin. It has large adhesive toe pads for climbing. Found in forests, swamps, and occasionally suburban yards. Calls from trees and shrubs during warm nights from April through July. Most active after dark. Prefer areas with standing water for breeding.
Spring Peeper identification and habitat
The Spring Peeper is smooth-skinned with a dark X marked on its back. Color ranges from tan to brown to reddish. Small, light-colored toe pads help it climb vegetation. Found throughout New Jersey in wetlands, marshes, and temporary pools. The first to call in spring, sometimes starting in February during warm spells. Calls are high-pitched, single peeps repeated rapidly. Can be heard from far away because of their numbers, not individual loudness.
Pine Barrens Tree Frog identification and habitat
The Pine Barrens Tree Frog is bright green with yellow or orange stripes on its flanks. It has a dark line through its eye and large toe pads. Slightly smaller than the Gray Tree Frog but larger than the Spring Peeper. Occurs only in and around the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a specialized ecosystem with sandy soils and acidic waters. Extremely rare, protected by state law. Never attempt to collect or disturb this species. Breeding occurs in shallow, acidic pools April through June.
Can you find other tree frog species that drift into New Jersey?
Occasionally, species from neighboring states appear at New Jersey's borders. The Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) has been recorded in the Delaware River drainage. The Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) may wander from Pennsylvania in rare cases. These are accidental occurrences and should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection if seen. Standard guide books for the Northeast will help distinguish them.
What calls do the three main species make?
Spring Peepers produce a single, high-pitched note repeated every 1 to 2 seconds, creating a loud chorus. Gray Tree Frogs make a short trill lasting about 0.5 to 1 second, sounding musical rather than shrill. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs call with a nasal, resonant quack. Calls intensify on warm, humid nights, especially after rain. Listening is often easier than looking, since frogs are cryptic and blend into vegetation.
Are New Jersey tree frogs active year-round?
No. All three species are seasonal. Spring Peepers and Gray Tree Frogs emerge in spring as water warms, breed for 6 to 8 weeks, then disperse into forests for summer and fall. They enter dormancy in autumn, burrowing under leaf litter, logs, or loose bark. Winter dormancy lasts from October or November through late February or March. During this period, metabolism slows and they rarely move. Activity resumes when soil temperatures rise in spring.
What habitats do these tree frogs prefer?
Gray Tree Frogs use forests, swamps, and wooded edges. Spring Peepers breed in temporary pools, marshes, and ditches with shallow water. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs require the sandy, acidic pools of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. All three need water for breeding but spend most of the year in trees and shrubs. They prefer areas with minimal pesticide use. Loss of breeding pools and forest fragmentation are the biggest threats to New Jersey populations.
Where can you learn more about New Jersey tree frog species?
Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for official species guides and protection rules. The Pine Barrens Preservation Alliance has detailed information about the Pine Barrens Tree Frog. Field guide books covering amphibians of the Northeast provide photos, calls, and range maps. Check theNew Jersey wildlife pagefor regional spotting locations. TheTree Frogs trunk pagelinks to habitat guides and seasonal timing.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main tree frog species in New Jersey?+
New Jersey hosts three species. The Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) is the largest and most widespread. The Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is tiny and heard throughout the state during spring. The Pine Barrens Tree Frog (Hyla andersonii) is rare, found only in the Pine Barrens region of Burlington and Ocean counties. Each has adapted to specific habitats and breeding schedules.
How big is a Gray Tree Frog compared to other species?+
Gray Tree Frogs measure 1.25 to 2 inches long, making them the largest tree frogs in New Jersey. Spring Peepers are under 1.25 inches, roughly the size of a dime. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs are similar in length to Gray Tree Frogs, about 1.5 to 2 inches. Size alone is not a reliable ID tool for young frogs, so look at color and patterns first.
Can you find other tree frog species that drift into New Jersey?+
Occasionally, species from neighboring states appear at New Jersey's borders. The Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) has been recorded in the Delaware River drainage. The Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) may wander from Pennsylvania in rare cases. These are accidental occurrences and should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection if seen. Standard guide books for the Northeast will help distinguish them.
What calls do the three main species make?+
Spring Peepers produce a single, high-pitched note repeated every 1 to 2 seconds, creating a loud chorus. Gray Tree Frogs make a short trill lasting about 0.5 to 1 second, sounding musical rather than shrill. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs call with a nasal, resonant quack. Calls intensify on warm, humid nights, especially after rain. Listening is often easier than looking, since frogs are cryptic and blend into vegetation.
Are New Jersey tree frogs active year-round?+
No. All three species are seasonal. Spring Peepers and Gray Tree Frogs emerge in spring as water warms, breed for 6 to 8 weeks, then disperse into forests for summer and fall. They enter dormancy in autumn, burrowing under leaf litter, logs, or loose bark. Winter dormancy lasts from October or November through late February or March. During this period, metabolism slows and they rarely move. Activity resumes when soil temperatures rise in spring.
What habitats do these tree frogs prefer?+
Gray Tree Frogs use forests, swamps, and wooded edges. Spring Peepers breed in temporary pools, marshes, and ditches with shallow water. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs require the sandy, acidic pools of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. All three need water for breeding but spend most of the year in trees and shrubs. They prefer areas with minimal pesticide use. Loss of breeding pools and forest fragmentation are the biggest threats to New Jersey populations.
Where can you learn more about New Jersey tree frog species?+
Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for official species guides and protection rules. The Pine Barrens Preservation Alliance has detailed information about the Pine Barrens Tree Frog. Field guide books covering amphibians of the Northeast provide photos, calls, and range maps. Check theNew Jersey wildlife pagefor regional spotting locations. TheTree Frogs trunk pagelinks to habitat guides and seasonal timing.
Keep exploring
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Common questions about tree frogs