They spend most of their time underground in burrows they dig themselves with a tough spade-like projection on their hind feet. Spring rains induce the toads to breed. They migrate to the breeding site and the males begin to call. The call is like an American toads', but it is more mechanical and riveting sounding. The inflated vocal sack is sausage shaped and extends upward past the snout.
Females lay strings of thousands of eggs which the male fertilizes externally.
They may emerge from their burrows at other times of the year such as at night during periods of high humidity or during heavy thunderstorms, again mostly after sunset. They eat any small insects or earthworms and even feed on harmful invertebrates in agricultural areas.