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Research on high-decibel bird vocalizations

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2026-10-04 12:12 UTC → 2026-10-04 18:23 UTC · added removed

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, led by Jeff Podos and João C. T. Menezes, have identified the bare-throated bellbird and the red-legged seriema as potential contenders for the world’s loudest birds. 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 bird species across Massachusetts and Brazil. The findings revealed that both multiple species produce vocalizations exceeding 120 decibels, a volume volumes comparable to a “jackhammer or a chainsaw.” “heavy machinery.” The bare-throated bellbird reached tyrant flycatcher (araponga-de-garganta-nua) recorded a peak volume individual intensity of nearly 131 decibels, potentially surpassing decibels when standardized at a distance of one meter. Other notable high-volume species include the previous record held by red-legged seriema, which reached nearly 121 decibels during 20-millisecond intervals, and the white bellbird. While manakin (araponga-branca), which averaged 127 decibels among analyzed individuals. Rather than crowning a single winner, the research noted examines how physical traits associated with high-volume calls, such traits—such as larger beaks large bodies and robust muscles for air compression, 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. The theories, as data did not strongly correlate extreme loudness with factors like dense forest habitats, specific mating systems, or weak flight capabilities.

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  1. 2026-10-04 18:23 UTC Research on high-decibel bird vocalizations
  2. 2026-10-04 12:12 UTC Research on high-decibel bird vocalizations

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