The call is the best way to distinguish this treefrog from the Copes gray treefrog. The eastern gray treefrogs call has a slower trill, and sounds much more musical and bird like. Tadpoles have a red tipped tail, unique among Iowas other tadpoles. They are always bright green when they transfrom and will remain so for some time. Color change in adults varies depending on temperature, activity level, and color of surroundings.
Adults migrate to summer feeding habitats after the mate.
They may call periodically from their perches throughout the summer, especially in evening or after rains. This species is reported to call from higher perches than Copes gray treefrog. They overwinter under shelters of bark, leaves, rocks or logs. These frogs prevent ice crystal from forming in their organs by changing glycerol into glucose and circulating through the organs. The remaining water in the body is allowed to freeze.