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3 clusters · 20 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Research on high-decibel bird vocalizations

Overview

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, led by Jeff Podos and João C. T. Menezes, have identified several bird species capable of producing extreme vocalizations. A study published in the journal Evolution utilized laser rangefinders and sound level meters to measure 123 species across Massachusetts and Brazil.

The findings revealed that multiple species produce volumes comparable to “heavy machinery.” 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 high-volume 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 examines how physical traits—such as large bodies and wide, trumpet-like bills—enable these extreme sound levels. While the study noted these morphological advantages, it provided little evidence to support existing evolutionary theories, as data did not strongly correlate extreme loudness with factors like dense forest habitats, specific mating systems, or weak flight capabilities.

Entities

Jeff Podos · red-legged seriema · University of Massachusetts Amherst · João C. T. Menezes · bare-throated bellbird

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema identified as loudest bird contenders

    A study published in Evolution identifies the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema as contenders for the world’s loudest birds, with calls exceeding 120 decibels.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Researchers identify world's loudest bird species

    A study published in Evolution reveals that species like the bare-throated tyrant flycatcher produce sounds reaching 131 decibels, driven by physical traits like large bodies and wide bills.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 15 sources
    University of Massachusetts researchers identify world's loudest birds

    Scientists have identified the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema as potential world's loudest birds, with calls exceeding 120 decibels, similar to the volume of a jackhammer.

Sources

aeiou.pt · ecuadoruniversitario.com · exame.com · fehmarn24.de · infowet.pl · knowridge.com · krdo.com · kurierverlag.de · leinetal24.de · localnews8.com · nature.com · nn.de · noticiasambientales.com.ar · olhardigital.uol.com.br · onetz.de · op-online.de · time.news · tn.com.ar · zielona.interia.pl · zmescience.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history