Here, we are back with another exciting post on birds, and this time, it will be more of a science-knowledge-related post rather than just colors. Now, we all know that White Bellbird is considered to be the world’s loudest bird but have you ever wondered which avian is in the second or third position?
Therefore, in this post, we have ranked the Top 20+ Loudest Birds on Earth, or birds with the loudest calls. On various sites, you have seen the list of parrots in the birds with the loudest chirps. Indeed, parrots are capable of producing very loud and distinct vocalizations.
They are intelligent creatures and have the ability to mimic us, making the sound to its full potential.
But it’s worth noting that the ranking should depend on various factors such as the methodology used to measure the calls, the context in which they vocalize, the availability of data, the outdoor environmental factor, and their potential.
That’s why White Bellbird is titled the world’s loudest bird, not Nanday Conure.
Therefore, in the list, you can find many parrots with high decibels call ranking lower than the other wild birds. So, let’s begin the article.
Note: The decibel levels can vary depending on factors such as the distance between the bird and the listener, the environment, the time of day, and the type of call.
Top 20+ Loudest Birds on Earth Ranked
21. Emu
| Scientific Name | Dromaius novaehollandiae |
| Sound Estimated | 60 dB |
| Size (length) | 1.5 to 1.75 m |
| Life Span | 5-10 years |
| Diet | leaves, grasses, fruits, native plants, and insects |
Let’s begin our list with one of the strongest birds in the world, the Emu. We all have known Emus for creating low-pitched voices. But their voices are deep with thumping sounds.
Researchers even noticed Emus call up to two kilometers at night. It is estimated that Emus can produce the loudest call, up to 60 dB, comparable to office noise or background music.
20. Trumpeter Swan
| Scientific Name | Cygnus buccinator |
| Sound Recorded | Up to 88 dB |
| Size (length) | 180 to 190 cm |
| Life Span | 20-25 years |
| Diet | stems, leaves, and roots of aquatic plants |
In the list of loudest birds in the world, Trumpeter Swan is in the 19th position with the ability to produce vocalization of up to 88 dB, equivalent to that of a food blender, heavy traffic, or cinema.
However, it is believed that Trumpeter Swan can make the sound even greater. These swans are large size birds that can reach up to 190 cm in length. You can normally find them all over Canada.
19. Canada Goose
| Scientific Name | Branta canadensis |
| Sound Recorded (average) | 88 dB |
| Size (length) | 75 to 110 cm |
| Life Span | 10-24 years |
| Diet | stems and shoots of grasses, sedges, aquatic plants |
Canada Goose is also considered to be one of the loudest birds, and its call can be heard from a far distance. It is recorded that these big birds can produce sound at 88 decibels on average, which means there is a high possibility that they can make a call even louder. These big birds produce many types of honks, barks, hisses, and cackles.
18. African Fish Eagle
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus vocifer |
| Sound Recorded (average) | 80 to 90 dB |
| Size (length) | 63 to 75 cm |
| Life Span | 12 to 24 years |
| Diet | Small fish |
Now, let’s talk about some eagles. We all have seen in movies multiple times how loud eagles can call. The African sea eagle is one of the largest species of eagles easily found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
On average, these large sea eagles can produce high-pitched whistling sounds of 80 to 90 decibels, similar to a rooster.
17. Common Loon
| Scientific Name | Gavia immer |
| Sound Recorded (average) | 70 to 90 dB |
| Size (length) | 71 to 81 cm |
| Life Span | 25-30 years |
| Diet | small fish |
Common Loons, also called great northern divers, are famous for their beautiful calls. Their calls can be audible from far distances in the wildlife. They have various calls, but their hauntingly beautiful wail call can be measured between 70 to 90 decibels.
Some of their calls are high-pitched, relaxing sounds that bring memories of the early summer mornings near a lake. Below we have inserted their different sounds; you can listen there.
16. Bald Eagle
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Sound Recorded (average) | 80 to 90 dB |
| Size (length) | 0.7 to 0.9 meters |
| Life Span | 20-30 years |
| Diet | waterfowl, turtles, rabbits, snakes, and other small animals and carrion |
Another eagle on our list is Bald Eagle. Bald Eagles are one of the most powerful birds, but against their power, they emit very weak-sounding calls in the form of high-pitched whistling.
Still, their weak-sounding calls can be measured up to 80 to 90 decibels. Males are generally dominant in terms of producing high-pitched sounds.
It is also challenging to measure their high potential call because of various environmental factors. Therefore, many researchers believe that eagles can emit very high-sounding calls.
15. Sandhill Crane
| Scientific Name | Grus canadensis |
| Sound Estimated | More than 100 dB |
| Size (length) | 1.0 to 1.2 m |
| Life Span | 20 years or more |
| Diet | insects, roots of aquatic plants, rodents, snails, frogs, lizards, snakes, nestling birds, berries, seeds |
Sandhill Cranes can be found in various habitats depending on the region, from marshes or bogs to open grassland. The good news is within a few decades, there has been a rise in their population, and now, they are categorized under “Least Concern” by IUCN.
They are large birds with a total length of 1.2 meters, and like their big bodies, they are capable of producing loud calls. Sandhill Cranes give loud bugle calls that can be heard up to 2.5 miles away.
14. Parakeet
| Scientific Name | Melopsittacus undulatus |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 111-112 dB |
| Size (length) | 12-28 cm |
| Life Span | 7-15 years |
| Diet | broccoli florets, dark leafy greens, finely chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, and other veggies |
Now comes the actually loudest birds that will irritate you sometimes. Parrots are very intelligent creatures, and often they increase their vocal to grab your attention.
Parakeets are medium-sized parrots with beautiful colored feathers. They are one of the most common pets. In general, these small birds can chirp between 65-70 decibels, but when they want too much attention, they increase their voice twice as loud.
According to a-z-animals, Parakeets have the potential to produce calls up to 111-112 decibels which is equal to live rock music.
13. Eclectus Parrot
| Scientific Name | Eclectus roratus |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 115 dB |
| Size (length) | 31-37 cm |
| Life Span | 20-50 years |
| Diet | fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouted seeds, legumes, pulses |
Next on the list is Eclectus Parrot. These parrots are the most sexually dimorphic of all parrot species, where males are green in color and females have beautiful red/purple plumage.
Eclectus Parrots can be easily seen in the rainforest of New Guinea. Like Parakeet, they can produce sound between 65-70 decibels, but their chirp is recorded up to 115 decibels.
12. Whooping Crane
| Scientific Name | Grus americana |
| Sound Estimated | Over 100 dB |
| Size (length) | 132 to 160 cm |
| Life Span | 22-40 years |
| Diet | insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals |
Whooping Crane is the tallest North American bird, with a height of up to 1.6 meters. These cranes are beautiful white birds that can also be found easily in Mexico.
Whooping Cranes are also known for their loud, single-note bugle call that can be over 100 decibels, even greater than a fire alarm. But most of the time, they produce low-pitched purrs while communicating with each other.
11. Peacock
| Scientific Name | Pavo cristatus |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 115 dB |
| Size (length) | 88-110 cm |
| Life Span | 10 to 25 years |
| Diet | grain, insects, small reptiles and mammals, berries, figs, leaves, seeds, and flower parts. |
Now, you are wondering why we have mentioned one of the most beautiful birds on the list. At first, even we don’t know that Peacocks are also known for their loud chirps.
According to various sources, these beautiful birds are able to produce calls at 115 decibels, equivalent to a leaf blower, chainsaw, or snowmobile.
In addition, you can hear too much noise near their roosting sites. Peacocks produce may-awe calls in the wild to warn everyone from nearby predators.
10. Sun Conure
| Scientific Name | Aratinga solstitialis |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 120 dB |
| Size (length) | 30-35 cm |
| Life Span | 15 to 25 years |
| Diet | fresh fruit and vegetable, pellets |
Another beautiful parrot, the Sun Conure, or we can also say Sun Parakeet is in the 9th position on the list of loudest birds on Earth. Its vocalization is the same as Parakeet that we have discussed above.
These parrots are exotic-looking pet birds, but owners should be prepared as Sun Conure is one of the loudest birds of all the medium-sized parrots.
They are intelligent creatures, and they know how to grab anyone’s attention. Their vocal chirps can reach 120 decibels, as loud as auto racing. Therefore, Sun Conures are not good for beginners because they require a lot of training and attention.
9. Cockatiel
| Scientific Name | Nymphicus hollandicus |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 123 dB |
| Size (length) | 30 to 33 cm |
| Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Diet | Pellets, fruit, vegetables, and seeds |
The list of loudest parrots is still going on. Now we have Cockatiels, one of the friendliest birds. Like other parrots, they are also very loud, but most of the time, Cockatiels love to talk to their owners or make many sweet whistling sounds.
These parrots have yellow-grey plumage and have red color on their cheeks, referred to as “cheddar cheeks.” It is recorded that they are able to generate a noise of 123 decibels same level as firecrackers.
8. Mealy Amazon Parrot
| Scientific Name | Amazona farinosa |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 124 dB |
| Size (length) | 38 to 41 cm |
| Life Span | 80-100 years |
| Diet | high-quality pelleted diet, supplemented with daily servings of fresh bird-safe fruits and vegetables |
There is not much difference in vocalization between Mealy Amazon Parrot & Cockatiel. Mealy Amazon Parrots are one of the largest parrot species and can produce various types of sounds.
They are very intelligent and can learn to talk and sing. But like Cockatiels, they also have the ability to produce the chirp at 124 decibels, enough to make your ears hurt.
7. Northern Gannet
| Scientific Name | Morus bassanus |
| Sound Estimated | 120 dB |
| Size (length) | 86 to 99 cm |
| Life Span | 17-37 years |
| Diet | Small fish |
Northern Gannet is the largest seabird in the northern Atlantic. They can reach up to a height of 1 meter. These large seabirds are known for making loud noises.
When in the group, they make distinct types of loud calls that reach over 100 decibels. It is estimated that near their nesting colonies, their calls are at the level of 120 decibels.
6. Rooster
| Scientific Name | Gallus gallus domesticus |
| Sound Recorded | 90 dB (on average), highest 130 decibels |
| Size (length) | 60-68 cm |
| Life Span | 5-10 years |
| Diet | corn, millet, sunflower seeds, and oyster shells |
How is it possible not to enter Rooster in the list of the loudest birds on Earth? Roosters are famous for their loud morning calls. Many roosters, on average, can produce crows of 90 decibels which is the sound level of a concert.
And the surprising part is some have the potential to crow up to 130 decibels, equivalent to a jet take-off, making them the best candidate for the loudest birds.
5. Peregrine Falcon
| Scientific Name | Falco peregrinus |
| Sound Estimated | 118 dB, reaching up to 140 decibels |
| Size (length) | 34 to 58 cm |
| Life Span | 10-17 years |
| Diet | Other small birds |
In the fourth position, we have Peregrine Falcon. This bird is known for its speed and hunting abilities. Many of you have already heard of Falcon’s scream, so have you ever been fascinated by how loud their scream is in decibels?
According to falconryadvice, their scream can be reached up to 140 decibels, equal to the firecrackers. Falcons use their call to communicate with other falcons and sometimes to warn off predators. Also, their scream is a way to show their potential and dedication towards their territory.
4. Screaming piha
| Scientific Name | Lipaugus vociferans |
| Sound Recorded | 116 dB |
| Size (length) | 20 to 25 cm |
| Life Span | – |
| Diet | Fruits and insects |
Screaming piha holds second in the Guinness book of world records for the loudest bird on Earth. It is officially recorded that their call can reach up to 116 decibels.
These birds are known for their distinct, beautiful voices in the Amazon and tropical parts of the Mata Atlântica in South America.
3. Moluccan Cockatoo
| Scientific Name | Cacatua moluccensis |
| Sound Estimated | 120 dB, highest 135 dB |
| Size (length) | 45 to 52 cm |
| Life Span | 70-80 years |
| Diet | seed, fruit, nuts, insects |
Moluccans have the reputation of being the loudest birds. They can reach 135 decibels at full volume and can be heard up to five miles away. It’s almost as loud as a jet engine.
Many Moluccan Cockatoo rehomed because they are too loud. Even on average, they chirp at 120 decibels which is too loud for indoors.
If you are a beginner, then Moluccan Cockatoos are not recommended for you. They require proper training, attention, and the best environment.
2. Nanday Conure
| Scientific Name | Aratinga nenday |
| Sound Estimated | Up to 155 dB |
| Size (length) | 27 to 30 cm |
| Life Span | 18-30 years |
| Diet | a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and berries |
The second one on the list of the world’s loudest birds is Nanday Parakeet, also called Nandy Conure or Black-Hooded Parakeet. Its behavior is also the same as other Parakeets discussed earlier.
It is one of the most colorful parrots with a black head, black beaks, and red claws. It is estimated that their chirp reaches up to 155 decibels, the loudest until now, equal to Jet take-off (at 25 meters). It is enough to rupture your ears at a close distance.
1. White Bellbird
Features of the white bellbird, the world's loudest bird @AFPgraphics pic.twitter.com/mN5RZ0gb9t
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 22, 2019
| Scientific Name | Procnias albus |
| Sound Recorded | 125 dB |
| Size (length) | 20 to 28 cm |
| Life Span | 7-8 years |
| Diet | fruits |
White Bellbird is the loudest bird on Earth with a call of 125 dB(A) (at an equivalent 1m distance). It holds the Guinness book of world records as the loudest bird on Earth. White Bellbirds can be found in the forest of Guianas, Venezuela, Panama, and Pará.
The male Bellbirds are pure white in color, but the females have olive plumage. Their fire alarm-like sound of 125 decibels is recorded under various external outdoor factors. It’s not as same as other parrots that chirp the loudest. Also, White Bellbirds have very high-pitched noise.
Here, we conclude our article on the top 20+ Loudest Birds on Earth Ranked. We hope you like the post. We have mentioned White Bellbird even higher than other parrots because it officially holds the title of the world’s loudest bird, and other parrots mimics and chirp loud voices, but still, the intensity of a sound is not officially recorded.
References:
- Birds That Chirp The Loudest by a-z animals
- Comparative Examples of Noise Levels by iacacoustics
-
Birding Today: White Bellbird the loudest bird in the world by muskogeephoenix
Also Read:
Monty is a founder of How It See. Being a life science student in a reputed university, he always wonders about an eclectic correlation between science and nature. After engaging in various college projects, Monty determined to share all his knowledge with you as a writer. In the meantime, he loves to research and study about the various types of colorful animals.