How loud is the white bellbird?
The white bellbird is about 125 dB, with a typical range of 116–125 dB. The loudest bird song ever measured: 125.4 dB at 1 m.
That is about 91 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 3.16e+06 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 125 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 3 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 white bellbird
Commonly cited maximum, at about 1 m. Roars carry up to 8 km.116 dBScreaming piha
One of the loudest birds measured, at 1 m.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.130 dBThreshold of pain
Sound starts to hurt; damage can be instant.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 119 dBA | 11 seconds | 8.6 minutes |
| 122 dBA | 6 seconds | 5.7 minutes |
| 125 dBA | 3 seconds | 3.8 minutes |
| 128 dBA | 1 seconds | 2.5 minutes |
| 131 dBA | less than a second | 1.6 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.
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is the white bellbird?
About 125 dB, with a typical range of 116–125 dB.
Is the white bellbird louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while the white bellbird is about 125 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.