Desert Frog
by Leah Powley (Colby College)
Some call it a desert frog
it walks across the sand
It’s also called the rolling stone
though it’s not a member of that band
They’re endemic to Namibia
but of this they do not boast
They just like to live their lives
along the western coast
You know she’s looking at you
when the eye you see it pale
But if the eye is dark,
then you’re looking at a male
It has black marks across its face
and one stripe along its neck
Its neck is long and slender
and long legs make for an easy trek
When you hear their call
you may think their voice boxes are broke
For the sound that comes out is less like a song
and more like a frog croak
One name is unfamiliar
Eupodotis rueppellii
Also called Rüppell’s Korhaan,
many of them we will see.
Ruppel’s korhaans “croaking” near Werelsend, Namibia (Susie Dain-Owens)