It has been confused with several other species, in particular with the palm forest tree frog Leptopelis palmatus.

[3][4] The male advertisement call is a series (about ten) long "yiin" cries.

A male approaching a female may emit a different, quiet call, sounding like the meow of a young cat.

[1] The males call from branches in the forest or from Raphia palms, typically above small streams.

[1] Leptopelis rufus is a reasonably common species, but it is affected by habitat loss caused by expanding human settlements and agriculture as well as harvesting of wood.