How do you tell a male eastern American toad from a female?

There are a number of features that help distinguish male eastern American toads from females of the same species. The most easily identifiable features are size and skin texture.

Female eastern American toads are significantly larger than males. They also have skin that feels more rough and bumpy when compared to males. Color variation is also a helpful tool in identifying a toad's gender. For example, males typically have darker throats. During breeding season, the skin of the female sometimes takes on a reddish tint. Also during breeding season, male toads have areas on their thumbs, called nuptial pads, that enlarge and darken.