Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)

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Photo: M. Fournier

The boreal chorus frog is fairly common and widespread in the NWT at least as far north as the mouth of the South Nahanni River. There is some evidence that they occur further north but this needs to be verified. The boreal chorus frog hibernates under objects such as logs and leaf litter and, like the wood frog, can tolerate some freezing. Eggs are laid in small clumps, submerged and attached to aquatic vegetation in ponds and marshes. Development and metamorphosis occurs in about two months and individuals breed in the following year. They are short-lived and probably do not live to breed in a second season. Following breeding the chorus frog inhabits damp, grassy or wooded areas but its habits are not well known. It may spend part of the summer underground. These frogs may climb into low vegetation, but rarely above the height of tall grasses.

Identification The boreal chorus frog has skin which is somewhat granular (pebbly) in texture (particularly noticeable on the underside) and is variable in colour, grey, brown, or green. It generally has irregular stripes (often green and brown) on the back and sides, extending from the nose to the groin. However, this striping may be absent, particularly in recently transformed froglets. The underside is a light cream colour. The chorus frog is small (up to 38 mm) exhibiting a long, narrow and somewhat pointed body form. The call of the chorus frog is a drawn-out rising "kreeeeeeep", similar to the sound produced by drawing a thumbnail slowly over the teeth of a stiff pocket comb.

Photo: Wood Buffalo National Park

Distribution of the Boreal Chorus Frog