Presione aquí para versión en español

Click here to go back to Puerto Rico's Menu

Click here to go back to the main page

There are several varieties of a small Puerto Rican frog known as the Coqui. The most famous is known by its scientific name, Eleutherodactylus Portoricensis. This small frog can be found only in Puerto Rico, especially in humid places where there is vegetation. El Yunque Forest is one of its favorite habitats.

The name Coqui is derived from its onomatopoeic "co-qui" or "coco-qui".

Once you hear the sound, "coqui," you know that your are standing in front of one. The Coqui is often found among many leaves, trees and herbs. They measure between one fourth to one inch in length. Its color ranges from cream to deep brown, being translucent. This coloring allows it to hide in its habitat, where it is almost invisible, and we know it is there because of its chant. Despite its size, it can jump for many feet. Its most distant jumps are from trees.

All countries have legends with personalities that often symbolize the country where they are created. Puerto Rico is no exception, the Coqui has become part of the Puerto Rican folklore. Among the legends known, there is one that the Coqui was once a bird, and because of some misfortune, lost its wings. Later, through the mercy of God, it acquired the ability to climb trees.

Others say that the Coqui was a disobedient child that was punished, and turned into a frog, and, therefore, its chant resembles a child whistling. This series of legends about the Coqui, its rareness, its beauty and it fragile nature has made the Coqui one of the most legendary symbols of Puerto Rico..