Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the common toad in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the common toad in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the common toad in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the common toad’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Common toad
Scientific name: Bufo bufo
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: BUFONIDAE
Group: Amphibians
Sensitivity to human approach: Very shy
Minimum approach distance: 2 m
Reproduction period: February to March
Incubation: 10–12 jours
Births: February to March
Habitat:
Damp meadows, open woodland edges and gardens
Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.
Identification and description:
The common toad is a sturdy terrestrial amphibian of 8–13 cm with a warty olive-brown back and a yellowish spotted belly. It inhabits damp meadows, open woodland edges and gardens, feeding on insects, spiders and worms captured on the ground. During the breeding season, males emit a low, croaking call from the water’s surface to attract females, which lay strings of eggs in double rows.
Recommended lens:
Macro – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Approach slowly to within 2 m of the pond or waterhole, crouch to the animal’s eye level. Shoot at dusk or dawn when toads are active, using a shallow depth of field to isolate wart textures and a fast shutter speed to freeze any sudden movements.
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