The Life of Birds

The Life of Birds

  • 1998
  • 1 Seasons
  • 10 Episodes
  •  8.1  (38)
  •   Ended

In the documentary series produced by the BBC, The Life of Birds, Sir David Attenborough unveils a new investigation into the behaviour of birds, perfectly adapted animals that conquer the air. This ten-part series reveals the secret of the birds' great success, their remarkable strategies for finding food, their complex social systems, and their ingenious and often bizarre ways of mating and breeding. From the high speed of large airborne hunters to long distance migrations or the bright colors of nectar feeding hummingbirds, this is the ultimate bird series that every ornithologist should not miss.

The Life of Birds
Seasons
The Limits of Endurance
10. The Limits of Endurance
December 23, 1998
A look at how birds deal with hostile environments and with people. The episode ranges from crows in Japan that use traffic to crack nuts to penguins who never see a person but make long treks through frigid wastes.
The Problems of Parenthood
9. The Problems of Parenthood
December 16, 1998
This episode looks at the problems birds face in raising their young. It ranges from parrots who are very active parents to cuckoos who are famous for foisting the job off on others.
The Demands of the Egg
8. The Demands of the Egg
December 09, 1998
A look at eggs and what birds go through to produce and protect them. This epsiode ranges from the mating flights to fledging of their offspring. Species examined include frigate birds and toucans as well as weaver birds and cuckoos.
Finding Partners
7. Finding Partners
December 02, 1998
A look at how birds attract and select mates. The survey ranges from common birds such as the sparrow to the more exotic frigate birds, and Jamaican hummingbirds. Other segments concentrate on the dancing associated with the courtship of grebes and the artistic collections of bower birds.
Signals and Songs
6. Signals and Songs
November 25, 1998
A look at the way birds communicate. The program shows us how calls of warning can unite a community of birds against a larger predator and how other calls may be used to attract mates.
Fishing for a Living
5. Fishing for a Living
November 18, 1998
A look at those birds that look to fishing as their main food source. From gulls and ducks to cormorants and cranes.
Meat-Eaters
4. Meat-Eaters
November 11, 1998
This epsiode looks at those birds that have become strictlt meat eaters from eagles and hawks to owls and vultures.
The Insatiable Appetite
3. The Insatiable Appetite
November 04, 1998
A look at the constant need to feed necessitated by the demands of flight in species from sap suckers and crows, to robins and geese.
The Mastery of Flight
2. The Mastery of Flight
October 28, 1998
The second programme deals with the mechanics of flight. Getting into the air is by far the most exhausting of a bird's activities, and Attenborough observes shearwaters in Japan that have taken to climbing trees to give them a good jumping-off point.
To Fly or Not to Fly?
1. To Fly or Not to Fly?
October 21, 1998
The first episode looks at how birds first took to the skies in the wake of the insects. It begins in Mexico, where Attenborough observes bats being outmaneuvered by a red-tailed hawk.
Description
In the documentary series produced by the BBC, The Life of Birds, Sir David Attenborough unveils a new investigation into the behaviour of birds, perfectly adapted animals that conquer the air. This ten-part series reveals the secret of the birds' great success, their remarkable strategies for finding food, their complex social systems, and their ingenious and often bizarre ways of mating and breeding. From the high speed of large airborne hunters to long distance migrations or the bright colors of nectar feeding hummingbirds, this is the ultimate bird series that every ornithologist should not miss.
  • Premiere Date
    October 21, 1998
  • Rating
    8.1  (38)