Vogelkunde: Zwei neue Anwärter für den Titel „Lautester Vogel der Welt“

Certain bird species are renowned for their loud vocalizations, with the Naked-throated Bellbird and the Red-footed Seriema emerging as two new contenders for the title of "World's Loudest Bird." Measurements conducted in Brazil revealed their calls exceeded 120 decibels, rivaling the noise levels of a chain saw or jackhammer. The Naked-throated Bellbird (Procnias nudicollis) emits metallic cries, while the Red-footed Seriema's call is described as a harsh cawing.

They may be challenged by the previously undisputed loudest bird, the White-throated Bellbird, which has yet to be surpassed by further analysis. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted the study, analyzing the sound levels of 123 bird species across Massachusetts and Brazil. Of these, 113 were recorded for the first time.

The calls ranged up to 58 decibels apart; a hummingbird reached only 64 decibels, akin to a normal conversation. Their findings were published in the journal "Evolution." Co-author Jeff Podos had previously named the White-throated Bellbird (Procnias albus) the world's loudest bird in 2019, with a record-breaking 125 decibels, later confirmed by Guinness World Records.

However, little historical data exists on bird calls due to their challenging measurement. Podos and co-author João Menezes utilized laser distance sensors and portable sound meters designed for golfers for this study. The loudest species tended to be larger with stronger muscles, allowing for stronger air compression and explosive sound levels.

They also possessed larger bill openings, functioning akin to trumpet-like musical instruments, amplifying the sound through their wide sound funnels. The reason behind some birds' hyper-loud calls remains unclear. Initially, ornithologists hypothesized that the loudest birds might be poor fliers, more noticeable in dense forests, or polygamous, attracting partners from afar with their strong voices.

However, no evidence supported these theories. "We likely need data from far more species to understand what is happening ecologically and evolutionarily," said Menezes.