The skin is dry and has a bumpy texture. The colour can be variable from reddish brown, or dark brown to greyish upper body and flecked off-white undersides. Striking bright golden eyes. When sitting it has a rounded shape, with slightly bowed front legs. If surprised in the open, it will crouch down: but if threatened it may inflate its cheek air sacks and “stand tall” on its front and back legs, making a hissing noise. It tends to walk or hop. Females (130mm) are much larger then males (80mm).
There is a great variety in the colour and pattern of common toad.
Discover more about the Common Toad
When to see
It is active at night, but can be seen moving and feeding during the early morning and evening. Congregates in large numbers to breed in the spring, preferring deep ponds and lochans. The males grow thumb pads to grip onto females at this time. Look out for distinctive gelatinous strings of eggs, draped through underwater vegetation. It hibernates from October to March.
Where to see
Commonly found throughout the whole of mainland Scotland and on the islands of the Inner Hebrides. It falls victim to cars when crossing roads on migration to breeding sites in springtime and during normal nocturnal foraging.
Did you know?
The common toad has foul tasting skin and will puff up to defend itself from predators.
When to see
It is active at night, but can be seen moving and feeding during the early morning and evening. Congregates in large numbers to breed in the spring, preferring deep ponds and lochans. The males grow thumb pads to grip onto females at this time. Look out for distinctive gelatinous strings of eggs, draped through underwater vegetation. It hibernates from October to March.
Where to see
Commonly found throughout the whole of mainland Scotland and on the islands of the Inner Hebrides. It falls victim to cars when crossing roads on migration to breeding sites in springtime and during normal nocturnal foraging.
Did you know?
The common toad has foul tasting skin and will puff up to defend itself from predators.
When to see
It is active at night, but can be seen moving and feeding during the early morning and evening. Congregates in large numbers to breed in the spring, preferring deep ponds and lochans. The males grow thumb pads to grip onto females at this time. Look out for distinctive gelatinous strings of eggs, draped through underwater vegetation. It hibernates from October to March.
Where to see
Commonly found throughout the whole of mainland Scotland and on the islands of the Inner Hebrides. It falls victim to cars when crossing roads on migration to breeding sites in springtime and during normal nocturnal foraging.
Did you know?
The common toad has foul tasting skin and will puff up to defend itself from predators.
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OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA