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UMass Amherst Finds Bare-Throated Bellbird Loudest at 131 Decibels

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 12:56 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers identified the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema as contenders for the loudest birds.
The bellbird’s call reaches about 131 decibels, louder than a jet taking off.
The seriema produces calls exceeding 120 decibels, comparable to a chainsaw.
Researchers João C.T. Menezes and Jeff Podos published the findings in Evolution on September 29, 2026.
Menezes said larger bodies, bulky muscles and wide beaks enable the extreme volume.

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Story summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers identified the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema as contenders for the loudest birds.
The bellbird’s call reaches about 131 decibels, louder than a jet taking off.
The seriema produces calls exceeding 120 decibels, comparable to a chainsaw.
Researchers João C.T. Menezes and Jeff Podos published the findings in Evolution on September 29, 2026.
Menezes said larger bodies, bulky muscles and wide beaks enable the extreme volume.