In Puerto Rico, our windows are open all the time.  If it is extremely warm, we close the bedroom windows and turn on the AC.  But most nights, the windows are open, and we can hear the sounds of the night. These sounds include cats fighting, dogs barking, rooster’s crowing and last but not least coqui’s chirping.

The coqui (pronounced ko-kee) is a tiny frog that is native to Puerto Rico and is the national symbol of the island. These small frogs produce a loud chirp at night, up to 90 decibels.  These calls are made by male frogs to attract females and fend off the competition.  After the rain, male coquis are highly active and loud.

It does take a few days before you can sleep though this cacophony. My son claims he has PTSD from the experience.

My husband is not a fan either.  A few coqui decided to seek refuge (or play hanky panky) in one of the new AC units. And they managed to fry some of the circuitry.  The unit was still under warranty, but we had to pay for the service call.

To me, they are an intrinsic part of the island.  Sometimes, from PA, when I check on the house via the webcams, I turn up the volume and listen to the unmistakable sound of the coquis calling me back home.