© Getty Images

30. Chacma baboon (Genus Papio) -

In the African wilderness, the call of the Chacma baboons is a well-known sound. These social creatures use a repertoire of over 30 vocalizations to communicate with their troops, ranging from gentle murmurs to thunderous barks. Their barks can reach up to 90 dB.

© Shutterstock

29. Water boatman (Micronecta scholtzi) -

Don't underestimate the tiny water boatman; at 99 dB, it's like a miniature musician, creating a symphony underwater by rubbing its body parts together. Who knew such a small bug could make such a big racket?

© Shutterstock

28. Coquí frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) -

The coquí frog may be small, but its nighttime chorus is mighty, hitting 90-100 dB. These vocal little amphibians are a beloved symbol of Puerto Rico, serenading islanders with their distinct 'ko-kee' sounds.

© Shutterstock

27. Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) -

The oilbird might be small but its 100 dB nocturnal echoes illuminate the darkest caves. Using clicks for echolocation, this night navigator turns pitch-black caverns into acoustic marvels.

© Shutterstock

26. Gray wolf (Canis lupus) -

The gray wolf's howl, ranging from 90 to 115 dB, isn't just spooky; it's a call to the wild. These majestic creatures use their powerful howls to communicate across vast territories and keep the pack united.

© Shutterstock

25. Hyena (Family Hyaenidae) -

Hyenas are known more for their laughter which hits a mammoth 112 dB level. This cackling chorus is a key part of the savanna's soundscape, used for communication within their complex social structures.

© Shutterstock

24. Lion (Panthera leo) -

The lion's roar, reaching 114 dB, is the very sound of majesty and might. As the king of the jungle, this big cat uses its powerful voice to establish territory and communicate with the pride.

© Shutterstock

23. Ostrich (Struthio camelus) -

The ostrich's powerful 114 dB call booming across the savanna is undoubtedly a sound to behold. The largest bird on Earth uses its deep, resonant voice to communicate over large distances.

© Shutterstock

22. Peacock (Pavo cristatus) -

The peacock's call, a mix of beauty and volume, hits the 115 dB level! It's unmistakably loud and proud. These elegant birds use their calls to communicate and, during the mating season, to impress.

© Shutterstock

21. African elephant (Loxodonta africana) -

With trumpets blasting up to 117 dB, African elephants don't just trumpet; they orchestrate the savanna. These gentle giants use their powerful calls to socialize and alert the herd.

© Shutterstock

20. North American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) -

The bullfrog's booming call, reaching up to 119 dB, is the anthem of marshes and ponds. This amphibian may not have a crown, but it certainly reigns supreme in the vocal department.

© Shutterstock

19. Common cicada (Cicadidae) -

Around 120 dB, the common cicada turns every summer into a concert. These insects are the rhythm of the trees, filling the air with their distinctive, buzzing symphonies.

© Shutterstock

18. Green grocer cicada (Cyclochila australasiae) -

At 120 dB, the green grocer cicada is the rockstar of the insect world. During the summer, their concerts can be heard throughout Australia, echoing their unique tunes.

© Shutterstock

17. African cicada (Cicadoidea) -

Not to be outdone, the African cicada also belts out up to 120 dB of buzzing beauty. These tiny troubadours fill the air with their loud calls, ensuring they're heard over the buzz of the African landscapes.

© Shutterstock

16. White bellbird (Procnias albus) -

The white bellbird reaches an incredible 125 dB and it's known for vocals that hit like a bell. With its striking appearance and piercing call, this bird doesn't just sing; it announces its presence with flair.

© Shutterstock

15. Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) -

Booming up to 126 dB, the northern elephant seal's call is the heavyweight champion of marine communication. These massive seals use their deep, resonant calls primarily during mating season, echoing through the ocean.

© Shutterstock

14. Cockatoo (Cacatuidae) -

Vibrant and vocal, cockatoos are nature's avian artists. With crests that dance to their moods and a palette ranging from snowy whites to bold blacks, they're the life of the forest. These monogamous birds don't just mate; they form bonds, co-parenting with care. Whether grooving to a beat or feasting on seeds and fruits, their zest for life is unmatched, that goes along with their incredibly loud calls reaching up to 130 dB's.

© Shutterstock

13. Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) -

The mantis shrimp could potentially be the loudest animal known to man, however, given that its sound is suppressed by the water in which it lives, it only hits around 120-130 dB, with its claw strike being a spectacle of speed and sound. This colorful critter's swift snap is not just a feast for the eyes but a shockwave under the sea.

© Shutterstock

12. Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) -

The kakapo's mating call, peaking at 132 dB, could easily be the wilderness's most unexpected serenade. This hefty, flightless parrot proves that being grounded doesn't mean you can't be heard.

© Shutterstock

11. Greater bulldog bat (Noctilio leporinus) -

This nocturnal hunter hits up to 140 dB with its echolocation calls, proving that not all superheroes wear capes. The greater bulldog bat uses these sounds to navigate and hunt, making it a night-time maestro of the skies.

© Shutterstock

10. Howler monkey (Genus Alouatta) -

At a staggering 140 dB, the howler monkey's roar isn't just loud, it's a rainforest revamp. These monkeys use their guttural calls to mark territory, leaving no doubt who's boss in the treetops.

© Shutterstock

9. Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) -

The bowhead whale might not flaunt its 159 dB level, but it's known for calls that carry across the cold Arctic waters. These robust whales use their songs to communicate and navigate the icy blue.

© Shutterstock

8. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) -

With songs reaching 183 dB, humpback whales are the maestros of the deep. These oceanic giants compose complex melodies that travel across vast waters, a symphony of the seas.

© Shutterstock

7. Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) -

The fin whale's 184–186 dB calls resonate through the ocean's deep expanse. Known as the 'greyhounds of the sea,' their low-frequency songs are essential for long-distance whale chats.

© Shutterstock

6. Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) -

The blue whale's call, at a booming 188 dB, isn't just a sound; it's an oceanic opera. These gentle giants use their powerful voices to communicate across the vast and open seas.

© Shutterstock

5. Tiger pistol shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) -

The tiger pistol shrimp packs a punch with its claw, creating a bubble that stuns its prey. It's a snap that's not just heard but felt. It's unbelievable to think this creature makes a sound over 200 dB.

© Shutterstock

4. Snapping shrimp (Alpheus heterochaelis) -

At about 200 dB, the snapping shrimp's claw isn't just a tool, it's a sonic boom in miniature. This tiny crustacean's snap generates a shockwave, making it a small but mighty member of the marine world.

© Shutterstock

3. Pistol shrimp (Alpheidae) -

At a mind-blowing 218 dB, the pistol shrimp's snap is more than a mere aquatic clap. This tiny creature creates a sound bubble so powerful, it momentarily heats the water to a staggering degree.

© Shutterstock

2. Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) -

At 220 dB, the bottlenose dolphin's clicks and whistles aren't just chit-chat; they're a sophisticated sonar system. These marine intellectuals use sound for navigation, communication, and a touch of underwater flair.

© Shutterstock

1. Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) -

Topping the charts at 233 dB, the sperm whale's click is the gold standard of marine acoustics. This deep-sea titan uses its powerful echolocation to navigate the dark depths of the ocean.

Sources: (A-Z Animals) (USA Today) (DecibelPro)

See also: Chernobyl's legacy of radioactive animals

© Shutterstock