Researchers identify world's loudest bird species

Researchers have identified several bird species among the loudest in the world, with vocalizations reaching intensities comparable to heavy machinery. A study published in the journal Evolution, involving biologists from the University of Massachusetts such as Jeff Podos and João Menezes, analyzed 123 species across Brazil and the United States.

The study found that the bare-throated tyrant flycatcher (araponga-de-garganta-nua) recorded a peak individual intensity of nearly 131 decibels when standardized at a distance of one meter. Other notable species include the red-legged seriema, which reached nearly 121 decibels during 20-millisecond intervals, and the white manakin (araponga-branca), which averaged 127 decibels among analyzed individuals.

Rather than crowning a single winner, the research focuses on how physical traits—such as large bodies and wide, trumpet-like bills—allow certain birds to produce extreme sound levels. The researchers utilized laser rangefinders to overcome the technical challenge of measuring sound amplitude accurately in the field.