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Two New Bird Species Identified as Louder Than a Jackhammer
Key points
- Bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema calls exceed 120 decibels.
- These birds are now among the loudest known, comparable to the white bellbird.
- Study measured vocal amplitude in 123 bird species.
- Research aims to understand why some bird species sing louder.
New Loudest Bird Contenders Identified
A study published in Evolution reports the identification of two new bird species, the bare-throated bellbird and the red-legged seriema, capable of producing calls louder than 120 decibels. This sound level surpasses that of a jackhammer, placing these birds among the loudest terrestrial animals.
Joining the White Bellbird
These newly identified birds join the white bellbird, which set the record for the loudest bird in 2019. All three species now occupy a similar decibel range, though precise ranking is difficult due to measurement variations. The screaming piha, previously a top contender, reaches approximately 116 decibels.
Research on Vocal Amplitude
The research team, including Jeff Podos and João C.T. Menezes, measured vocal amplitude across 123 bird species. This effort represents a step towards understanding the mechanisms that allow birds to produce such powerful acoustic signals. The study aimed to explore the reasons behind variations in vocal loudness among different bird species.
Challenges in Measurement
Measuring vocal amplitude in wild birds has historically been challenging. Factors such as the distance from the animal significantly influence readings, making consistent and accurate data collection difficult. This study contributes to overcoming these measurement hurdles.
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Reporting from
Scientists have identified the bare-throated bellbird and the red-legged seriema as two new contenders for the world's loudest bird, with calls exceeding 120 decibels. This discovery places them in the same decibel range as the white bellbird, previously holding the record, and contributes to understanding vocal amplitude in birds.