Common ToadBufo bufoWhere and when to see them

The Common Toad is a widespread European amphibian found in the Rhine and Seine regions. Its stocky body, dry-looking warty skin and copper-coloured eyes distinguish it from the smoother-skinned frogs often seen near water. Despite its association with ponds, it spends most of its adult life on land. It returns to water to breed, laying long strings of eggs rather than the clumps typical of many frogs. Healthy populations depend on access to both suitable breeding waters and sheltered terrestrial habitat.

Size

Adults usually 5–13 cm long from snout to vent; females are generally larger than males.

Weight

Usually around 20–80 g; large females can be heavier.

Lifespan

Often 10–12 years in the wild, with longer lifespans recorded.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN)

Common Toads are mainly active at dusk and at night, particularly in mild, damp conditions. During the day they shelter beneath logs, stones, vegetation or in other cool refuges. They usually walk or make short hops rather than taking long leaps. In spring, adults migrate towards breeding waters, often returning to a familiar site. Males clasp females in a breeding embrace called amplexus, and fertilisation occurs as the eggs are laid. Tadpoles develop in the water before emerging as small toadlets. During winter, toads become inactive in frost-protected shelters, usually on land. When threatened, adults may inflate their bodies and release defensive secretions from their skin glands.

• Its spawn forms long jelly strings rather than clumps.
• Breeding males develop dark nuptial pads on their inner fingers to help grip females.
• Many adults return to the same breeding water in successive years.
• Its defensive skin secretions deter many predators, but some animals still eat it.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Common Toads occupy woodland, hedgerows, grassland, parks and gardens where shelter and moisture are available. Within the Rhine and Seine landscapes, suitable habitat can include wooded floodplains, riverside gardens and vegetated ground near ponds. Breeding generally takes place in still water, including ponds, lakes and some quiet backwaters. They can breed in waters containing fish, as their eggs and tadpoles have chemical defences that deter some predators. The fast-flowing main river channel is not their typical breeding habitat.

Adults eat a wide range of terrestrial invertebrates, including beetles, ants, spiders, earthworms and slugs. They usually locate prey at close range and capture it with the tongue or jaws. Small toadlets feed on suitably tiny invertebrates. Tadpoles graze on algae and consume detritus and other available organic material.

Common name

Common Toad

Scientific name

Bufo bufo

Animal group

Amphibians

Size

Adults usually 5–13 cm long from snout to vent; females are generally larger than males.

Weight

Usually around 20–80 g; large females can be heavier.

Lifespan

Often 10–12 years in the wild, with longer lifespans recorded.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN)

Identification

Look for a squat body, short legs and conspicuously warty skin, usually brown, greyish or olive, sometimes with darker markings. The eyes have coppery to golden irises and horizontal pupils. Large, elongated parotoid glands sit behind the eyes and produce defensive secretions. Unlike the Natterjack Toad, the Common Toad normally lacks a narrow yellow stripe along the centre of its back, although similar-looking toads in parts of France can require expert identification.