A tiny white bird in the Northern Amazon took the title of the world’s loudest bird. The white bellbird, also known as the Procnias albus, gives the birds the loudest call ever recorded, reaching 125 dB. Previously the record was held by screaming pihas.
About this bird:
- Scientific name: Procnias albus.
- Species: It is a bird species in the Cotingidae family.
- Distribution: It is found in Guianas forests
- Physical appearance: only the male’s coat is white; the female birds are olive green with yellowish stripes and are similar to other bellbirds.
Key points to be considered:
- The mating call of the white bellbird has been recorded by researchers at peak rates of 125.4 decibels
- The sound rates are nine decibels higher than the previous record-holder, the screaming Piha
- White bellbirds are as large as doves and weight approximately 250 grams
- The white bellbird found in the Amazon uses his loud call to attract the female bellbirds – the louder he is, the better his chances of finding a mate.
- The ability of the white bellbird to screech loudly may be the outcome of their diet, which consists primarily of fruits, some of the size of golf balls, which the birds swallow entirely.
The loudest bird in the world
The white bellbird’s mating call is now officially the world’s loudest bird song on the record. The white bellbird has two forms of song levels – the usual one is 116 dB (decibels) while the more impressive one goes up to 125 dB, and it’s about three times louder than screaming pihas – the previous record holder with the title the loudest bird singer.
Volume is impacting performance
The white bellbird is roughly three times as loud as the previous loudest bird. It is interesting to note that some performance constraints come with volume. The song gets shorter, as the bird gets louder. Scientists believe this is possible because the bird’s respiratory system has a restriction on its ability to regulate airflow and produce sound.
Winding up
The scientists are, however, confused at how the birds, both male, and female, can tolerate the noisy songs without being deaf. The researchers wrote that their calls are so loud, they wondered how white bellbird females listen in close proximity without damaging their ears. They also hope to experience successful courtship to understand why noisy males attract females.
