Listen to the screaming piha
How loud is the screaming piha?
The screaming piha is about 116 dB, with a typical range of 111–116 dB. One of the loudest birds measured, at 1 m.
That is about 49 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 3.98e+05 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 116 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 22 seconds. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as the screaming piha
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.110 dBBagpipes
Highland pipes at the player's ear.110 dBCar alarm
Measured close to the vehicle.110 dBCar horn
At about 1 m in front of the car.114 dBLion roar
Commonly cited maximum, at about 1 m. Roars carry up to 8 km.120 dBEmergency siren
CDC lists sirens at 110–129 dB.120 dBThunder (close)
A strike within a few hundred metres.120 dBVuvuzela
At 1 m from the horn.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 110 dBA | 1.5 minutes | 30 minutes |
| 113 dBA | 45 seconds | 20 minutes |
| 116 dBA | 22 seconds | 13 minutes |
| 119 dBA | 11 seconds | 8.6 minutes |
| 122 dBA | 6 seconds | 5.7 minutes |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Forest atmopshere with bird, insect, cicada, screaming piha, light… by felix.blume – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Forest edge in the morning near an open mine with bird, screaming… by felix.blume – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is the screaming piha?
About 116 dB, with a typical range of 111–116 dB.
Is the screaming piha louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while the screaming piha is about 116 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Podos & Cohn-Haft (2019), Current Biology – white bellbird song 125 dB
- Song · Sucumbíos: 'Sacha Lodge', n bank Río Napo, Ecuador by Niels Krabbe – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Song · Pastaza: Churunalpi, 5 km N Canelos, Ecuador by Niels Krabbe – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Song · Orellana: 'Maxus' road km 37 (27 km SSE Pompeya), Ecuador by Niels Krabbe – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Call · Orellana: 'Maxus' road km 37 (27 km SSE Pompeya), Ecuador by Niels Krabbe – CC BY-SA 4.0