Water life · Bufo bufo
Discover the common toad
Puschel nearly mistakes a quiet neighbour for a leaf. Then one of the toad’s feet moves!
The short answer
Common toads usually have brown warty skin and short hind legs. In spring they lay eggs in long strings in water. They also use land habitats. Do not carry them around without expert supervision.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
Puschel“That leaf is taking a walk,” whispers Puschel. Flauschi spots its eyes and legs. Flauschi“It is a common toad.”
They keep the path clear. Puschel will not suggest a shortcut that only suits Wusels. The toad can choose its own direction.
Puschel“My new helping plan: no diversions,” he says. Flauschi nods. Today the slowest walker has right of way.
Discover
Common toads usually have brown, warty skin and relatively short hind legs. They often walk, but can also hop.
Understand
In spring they migrate to water to breed. Their eggs are laid in long strings.
Connections
They spend much of the year on land and eat small animals. Skin glands can release defensive substances.
Little Wusel quiz
How do toad eggs differ from the clumps laid by many frogs?
Show answer
Common toads lay their eggs in long strings.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
How it works – simply explained
Find food on land
Toads spend much of the year on land. Short hind legs suit frequent walking, though they can hop.
Return to water for eggs
Spring migration reaches breeding waters. Eggs form long strings rather than frog-like clumps.
Respect the animal’s protection
Skin glands release defensive substances. Warty skin is a feature, not an invitation to touch. Leave paths and migration routes undisturbed.
Explore animal sounds
A nature recording of common toad calls from Wales.
Common toad calls
Recording: Eric Nobles / The British Library Board · Original: Common Toad (Bufo bufo) (W BUFO BUFO R3 C2).ogg · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia MP3 conversion; no trimming or content changes by us.
Listen quietly. Do not play animal recordings outdoors to attract animals.