Scientific studies reveal extremes in bird vocalization and human preference

Recent ornithological studies have provided new insights into the acoustic characteristics and human perceptions of bird vocalizations. Researchers at the University of Tübingen investigated why certain bird songs are more pleasing to humans. Their study, published in Frontiers, found that people prefer songs with narrow frequency bands and complex structures. The common blackbird (Turdus merula) received the highest rating with an average of 4.52 out of 5, while the barn owl received the lowest due to its harsh, raspy calls.

Separately, a study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst published in Evolution examined the volume of bird songs. Researchers identified the bare-throated bellbird and the red-legged seriema as having extremely loud vocalizations, exceeding 120 decibels at a one-meter distance. The bare-throated bellbird recorded an average of 122.4 decibels, with a peak near 131 decibels. The study suggests that larger bodies and wider beaks contribute to higher sound pressure and energy dispersal, though some small species can still produce sounds louder than much larger animals.