Green Treefrog

Hyla cinerea

Bright green nocturnal singer of marsh shrubs and pond edges. Listen for the nasal “queenk” chorus on warm nights.

Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) — Ocean City, Maryland
Photo via Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons — American green tree frog

Quick facts

GroupFrog / toad
Likelihood nearby★★★☆☆
Habitats Salt marsh, Freshwater ponds, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore, Mainland near OC
Seasons (this coast)spring, summer

How to recognize them

  • Smooth bright green (sometimes olive) with a light side stripe; large toe pads.
  • Sits on cattails, shrubs, and reeds above water.

Biology notes

  • Breeds in freshwater and brackish pools; insectivore.
  • Assateague’s frogs depend on freshwater lenses and ponds in the island interior.

Where to see them around Ocean City

  • Assateague marsh and pond vegetation at night.
  • Mainland stormwater ponds and wetland shrubs near Ocean City.

When to look

  • Peak calling on humid spring and summer nights.

Viewing tips & etiquette

  • Follow the sound, then scan leaves with a soft light.

Sources & further reading