There are four toad species in Arkansas. This is Fowler's Toad, Anaxyrus fowleri. It is closely related to Woodhouse's Toad, Anaxyrus woodhousii, and they likely interbreed heavily. Woodhouse's tends to be concentrated in the southwest part of the state. This hefty female Fowler's was cruising over the lawn for night insects. The call of the two toads is different in pitch. Both make a 2 or 3 second waaaaaaaa like a sheep. The Dwarf American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi, makes a trill noise lasting 6 to 30 seconds.

Note the dark spots on the back here have three, four and sometimes more warts and that the parotid gland (that raised mound behind the eye) touches the bony crest behind the eye. This distinguishes the Fowler's from the Dwarf and the Woodhouse's except in hybrids.

Now I find it hard to believe these are the same animal. And Keith himself was impressed with this singing Fowler's. Unwarty mostly and totally different color base from mine. From Keith's southern woodlands. 

This is the Dwarf American with some nice red tones. It was actually perched up on this log when we found it. No doubt a good story involved. Don't know what it was. Note the big parotid glands well separated from the ridge behind the eyes except for the small connecting spur. 

The really lovely shot from Keith Newton of a pair enjoying an Ozark stream. The big female gets to choose where they go.

And the male doing his best. Very shy singers and very tough to catch in the vocalizing mode. They tend to stare at humans with cameras making them feel foolish and accessory in the world. I love that cresty eyebrow and that knightly stance.