American Toads have dry, warty, reddish or brown skin with black spots. The warts are located in the spots, averaging one to two warts per spot. These two species also can be distinguished by the large glands located on their shoulders. These glands do not touch the cranial crests in American Toads, but they do in Fowler's Toads. American Toads also have mottled bellies, whereas Fowler's Toads have white bellies.
Males also have dark colored throats and have enlarged thumb pads during the breeding season.
These thumb pads aid in clasping the female during mating. Females become more reddish during the breeding season. American Toads inhabit grassy yards, forests, and meadows. They seek areas with plenty of insects and moisture. American Toads are widely distributed throughout the state.