Discovering the Loudest Birds on Earth
Researchers have identified two bird species—the bare-throated araponga and the red-legged seriema—that produce calls louder than 120 decibels. This volume rivals the noise produced by jackhammers or chainsaws. The study, featured in the journal Evolution, was led by biologist Jeff Podos from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and his graduate student João K. T. Menezes. Their team examined 123 bird species, with 113 of these never before measured for sound intensity.
Innovative Techniques Behind the Measurements
To capture the exact loudness of bird vocalizations, the scientists employed cutting-edge tools such as golf laser rangefinders and portable high-resolution sound meters. Their findings showed that bird calls range from about 58 up to more than 120 decibels. For instance, hummingbirds emit sounds around 64 decibels, while species like the bellbirds and crested seriemas surpass the 120-decibel mark.
Notably, the loudest birds tend to be larger, with stronger muscles for compressing air and a wider gape, all of which amplify their calls significantly. In 2019, Jeff Podos discovered the absolute loudest bird yet recorded—the white araponga—capable of producing sounds reaching approximately 125 decibels. This breakthrough highlights the importance of studying bird vocalizations and their ecological impact.
Understanding the volume of bird calls is crucial for insights into avian ecology and behavior. The identification of species capable of such intense vocalizations suggests evolutionary adaptations, possibly for attracting mates or defending territory. Furthermore, this research opens new avenues for exploring the relationships between bird sounds and their ecosystems, which is vital for biodiversity conservation amid climate change and human influence.