These Bufo americanus were incredible. The poor female, who is right in the very middle, is surrounded by four males who were constantly fighting, shoving, jumping, each trying to gain control of the female and mate with her. The toad at the top kept getting kicked in the throat by several of the others. Occasionally one would give up, but another would quickly take its place. They have such a short time to mate that they can't afford to waste a moment.

Often three, four or more males will clamber onto a poor female. The first male will hold on tightly, but this doesn't deter other males. However, males can give a special chirping call that indicates to other males they have got hold of the wrong sex! These chirping calls were numerous while I watched masses of toads like the ones in this photo, trying to retain their grasp on a female or dislodge other males.