Natterjack Toad

The Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita) is a toad native to sandy and heathland areas of Northern Europe. Adults are 60 - 70 mm in length and are distinquished from the common toad by a yellow line down the middle of the back.

They have relatively short legs, and this gives them a distinctive running gait, contrasting with the hopping movement of many other toad species.

Natterjacks have a loud and distinctive mating call, amplified by the single vocal sac found under the chin of the male animal.

This toad lives for up to 12 years and feeds on insects and other small animals. It spawns between April and July, laying 'strings' of eggs in shallow water.

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