Amherst, Massachusetts – Two bird species have produced calls exceeding 120 decibels, reaching volumes louder than a chainsaw and making them contenders for the world’s loudest bird.

University of Massachusetts Amherst biologists Jeff Podos and João C.T. Menezes measured the vocal volume of 123 bird species in Massachusetts and Brazil. Of those, 113 had never previously had their call volume measured.

The bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema both exceeded 120 peak decibels. At the other end of the scale, a hummingbird measured 64 decibels, roughly the volume of a normal conversation.

The researchers found a 58-decibel difference between the quietest and loudest birds. They also found that louder birds tend to be larger and have wider beak openings, which may help them produce and amplify powerful calls.

Podos previously discovered in 2019 that the Amazon’s white bellbird had the loudest bird call recorded at the time. Guinness World Records later confirmed the record.

The new research, published in Evolution, examined whether physical characteristics could predict how loud birds call and whether vocal volume is connected to their ecological or social behavior.

While the researchers identified some of the physical factors associated with extreme volume, they said they still do not know why certain birds evolved to produce such powerful calls.

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