There are a few birds native to Washington state that are known for making calls that sound similar to a frog croaking. The most likely culprit is the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, a small bird found throughout the western United States. However, some other birds like the Northern Saw-whet Owl and Cassin’s Vireo also makefrog-like vocalizations and can be found in parts of Washington as well. Keep reading to learn more about which birds croak like frogs in Washington state.
The Pacific-Slope Flycatcher
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) is considered the bird most likely to be mistaken for a frog in Washington. This small, nondescript bird blends into the bushes and trees where it perches, and many people only notice it when they hear its distinctive call.
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher makes a sharp, loud “pee-erk” or “preeeep” sound. This two-syllable croaking call is often repeated several times in quick succession. To most ears, the vocalization sounds much more frog-like than bird-like!
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher is a summer resident of Washington, breeding in the state before migrating south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. It can be found throughout deciduous and coniferous forests west of the Cascade Mountains. Abundant rainfall in western Washington creates ideal damp habitat for this species.
Identification
Identifying the Pacific-slope Flycatcher by sight alone can be challenging. This is a small bird, measuring just 5.5-6.5 inches in length with a wingspan around 9 inches. It has olive to gray-brown upperparts and pale underparts. It has an indistinct eye ring and two whitish wingbars.
The best way to identify a Pacific-slope Flycatcher is by listening for its distinctive call. No other bird native to Washington state makes such a loud, frog-like croaking sound. Being able to recognize its unique vocalization is key to distinguishing this flycatcher.
Behavior and Diet
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher is an insectivore, feeding on insects and spiders captured during short aerial flights from an observation perch. It will also occasionally eat berries and fruits.
This species often breeds near streams and wetlands where insect prey is abundant. Its frog-like call carries well over running water. The Pacific-slope Flycatcher is territorial and males will use their calls to defend a nesting territory.
Nesting pairs build small open cup nests on the horizontal branches of trees, often right over water. They may also nest in cavities in stumps or under the eaves of cabins if suitable natural sites are unavailable.
Other Frog-Sounding Birds in Washington
While the Pacific-slope Flycatcher is the best known, there are a couple other birds that occasionally vocalize in a frog-like fashion in parts of Washington:
Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a small forest owl that breeds in some mountainous areas of Washington. This nocturnal owl has a repetitive, whistling call that has been likened to the sound of frogs. Its call consists of a long series of short whistling notes, usually lasting 10 seconds or more.
Saw-whet Owls are uncommon and extremely difficult to spot, so even experienced birders often only identify them by their vocalizations. Theirfrog-like whistling call carries well through the forests of mountain ranges like the Cascades. These owls breed in small numbers in coniferous forests but are much more abundant further east into Canada.
Cassin’s Vireo
Cassin’s Vireo (Vireo cassinii) is a small songbird that summers and breeds in the dry, open forests east of the Cascades Mountains. Its normal song and calls are quite musical and vireo-like. However, during aggressive encounters, males may make a harsh, rapidly repeated croaking sound that could potentially be mistaken for a frog if one didn’t see the bird clearly.
Overall, though, the croaking vocalizations of Cassin’s Vireos are less common and frog-like than the calls of Pacific-slope Flycatchers and Northern Saw-whets. This species mainly resides in central Washington in scrubby habitat far from water, so it is less likely to be confused with actual frogs.
Differences Between Birds and Frogs
While the birds mentioned above may sound frog-like, there are some key differences that can help birders distinguish between croaking birds and actual frogs:
Location
Frogs and toads live on or very near water, while birds can vocalize from trees and other perches further away. If the croaking sounds are coming from up in a tree, they are more likely a bird.
Timing
Most frogs call mainly at night, while birds vocalize during daylight hours. If you hear frog-like croaking throughout the day, it is likely a bird.
Repetition
Frogs often repeat the same call over and over, while bird songs and calls have more variation. Listen for differences in pitch, rhythm, and phrasing.
Visibility
Try to spot the animal making the sound. If you can clearly see a bird, even if it looks like its beak isn’t moving, the odd call is coming from that bird.
Conclusion
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher is the bird most likely to be mistaken for a frog in Washington state, given its loud, croaking call that carries near wetland areas where frogs are also vocalizing. However, two other birds – the Northern Saw-whet Owl and Cassin’s Vireo – also occasionally make frog-like sounds. Carefully listening for differences in location, timing, repetition, and visibility of the vocalizing animal can help observant birders distinguish between birds and frogs. So next time you are hiking near a wetland in Washington and hear a suspicious croak, look and listen a little more closely before writing it off as just another frog!