I hope you are in the mood for a little music…banjo music that is. Yes, we are continuing our trek through Australia listening for the faint, twangy sounds of the banjo. While, I highly doubt the Eastern Banjo Frog actually plays an instrument, there is no mistaking the unique “bonk” sound these frogs make. You guessed it, this “bonk” call sounds eerily similar to a banjo string being plucked, hence their common name. This interesting call is also the reasoning behind their other common name, Pobblebonk, which just may be the world’s most fun name to say. Go ahead and give it a try.

The Pobblebonk

As mentioned, the Pobblebonk (I honestly can’t type that without smiling) is native to Australia, however, these musically inclined frogs were also introduced into parts of New Zealand. Regardless of their country, they prefer still water found in swamps, ponds, dams and any other place typical frogs like to hang out. Unlike other species, the Eastern Banjo Frog enjoy living deep beneath the surface. I am not talking about the water surface. Nope, these Pobblebonk’s are diggers and as a result during the day (or during unusually dry spells) they will spend a good portion of their time burrowed underground. After a nice, strong rainfall, these Banjo Frogs will head to the surface to bask in the glorious wetness.

It’s All in the Call

Since the mating season for the Eastern Banjo Frog lasts for 9 months out of the year, you will have the pleasure of listening to the amphibian banjos playing almost all year long. If the conditions are perfect (i.e. after a great rainstorm) all the Pobblebonk’s in the area will come together for a mass spawning event lasting several days. Just imagine how many banjos you would hear on a quiet, still night. Interestingly enough, these crazy frogs have even been known to call while burrowed under the surface of the earth. I am not sure how well their unique calls would travel underground but you have to love their passion for music.