Which gecko is known for its loud 'tokay' call?

The gecko known for its loud “tokay” call is the Tokay gecko. Its scientific name is Gekko gecko, and the species is a nocturnal, tree-dwelling gecko native to tropical Asia.

The famous call is made mainly by males. It is a loud croak or series of notes often rendered as “tokay,” “tuko,” or “gek-kek,” depending on the language and listener. The onomatopoeic sound gave the animal its common name and helped inspire the broader word “gecko.”

Tokay geckos are much larger and more robust than familiar house geckos, with blue-gray skin marked by red or orange spots. They use adhesive foot pads to climb walls, trees, and ceilings while hunting insects and small vertebrates at night.

A common mix-up is assuming every vocal gecko is a Tokay gecko. House geckos chirp and call too, but the especially loud, recognizable “tokay” cry belongs to Gekko gecko. The species can also be defensive: an alarmed individual may bark, gape, and deliver a powerful bite.