The white bellbird is known for its distinct appearance and remarkable vocalizations. Adult male white bellbirds have pure white plumage and a black bill with a fleshy, black wattle that is sparsely covered with white feathers. Females, in contrast, exhibit an olive coloration, often with yellowish streaks on their underparts. Male white bellbirds are notable for possessing the loudest recorded call of any bird globally, reaching 125 decibels.
Where White Bellbirds Are Found
White bellbirds are native to northern South America, inhabiting a wide geographic range. Their distribution includes Brazil (particularly the state of Pará), French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. While primarily concentrated in these areas, small numbers have been sighted in Trinidad and Tobago and Panama. The species is found across vast expanses of the Amazonian forest. Some populations within this broad distribution are localized, particularly in the southeastern Brazilian Amazon.
Their Preferred Forest Home
White bellbirds primarily inhabit moist tropical and subtropical forests, often found in humid lowland areas and extending into mountainous environments. They typically reside in forested hills at elevations ranging from approximately 500 to 750 meters, and sometimes up to 1250 meters. Their preferred dwelling is within the canopy and along the edges of the tallest trees in humid Amazonian forests. This arboreal lifestyle means they spend most of their lives in trees, relying on the dense plant cover these environments provide. Their habitat encompasses diverse forest types, including montane and cloud forests.
Life in Their Unique Environment
This species is frugivorous, relying on fruits for sustenance. Their diet consists of ripe and juicy fruits, such as figs and various wild berries. They have wide beaks, which allow them to swallow whole fruits. After consuming the fruit, they regurgitate the seeds, contributing to seed dispersal and the diversity of the forest ecosystem.
Male white bellbirds utilize their loud calls for mating displays, often perching on dry branches that protrude above the main canopy. Strong abdominal muscles contribute to their remarkable vocal power. These calls are delivered when a female is nearby, with the male sometimes turning to face her directly. Females tolerate these exceptionally loud sounds, possibly as a means of assessing the male’s fitness. After mating, the female alone assumes responsibility for raising the young, feeding them regurgitated fruit.