SPRING PEEPER

(species Hyla crucifer), small tree frog (family Hylidae) found in ponds, marshes, and other damp areas in the United States. Outside of the breeding season, when it may be found in woodland ponds, the spring peeper is seldom seen. The spring peeper, with its high, whistling call, is one of the first frogs to vocalize in spring. It is grayish, tan, or olive brown with an X-shaped, often irregular, brown mark on its back, and it grows to a length of about 2 to 3.5 cm (0.75 to 1.3 inches).