Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The naturalist muses on the messages conveyed in the syllables, melodies and repeated phrases of singing birds. From 2009.

Humans aren't the only species who sing. Many birds do and even another ape.

What messages are conveyed in the syllables, melodies and repeated phrases, and who is listening?

Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.

Produce: Julian Hector

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.

15 minutes

Last on

Mon 14 Apr 202501:45

Broadcasts

  • Fri 3 Jul 200920:50
  • Sun 5 Jul 200908:50
  • Mon 28 Dec 200914:00
  • Tue 29 Dec 200904:00
  • Fri 25 Mar 201110:45
  • Wed 11 Apr 201210:50
  • Wed 11 Apr 201215:50
  • Thu 12 Apr 201203:50
  • Sun 6 Sep 201511:50
  • Sun 6 Sep 201519:50
  • Wed 26 Jul 201706:20
  • Wed 26 Jul 201713:20
  • Wed 26 Jul 201720:20
  • Thu 27 Jul 201701:20
  • Sun 5 May 201911:50
  • Sun 5 May 201919:50
  • Sun 29 Nov 202010:45
  • Sun 29 Nov 202021:45
  • Thu 3 Dec 202011:45
  • Thu 3 Dec 202021:45
  • Tue 15 Mar 202211:50
  • Tue 15 Mar 202221:50
  • Sat 19 Mar 202213:50
  • Sun 20 Mar 202201:50
  • Sun 25 Jun 202310:45
  • Sun 25 Jun 202315:45
  • Sun 25 Jun 202321:45
  • Mon 26 Jun 202304:45
  • Sun 2 Jun 202406:45
  • Sun 2 Jun 202411:45
  • Sun 2 Jun 202417:45
  • Mon 3 Jun 202401:45
  • Sun 13 Apr 202506:45
  • Sun 13 Apr 202511:45
  • Sun 13 Apr 202517:45
  • Mon 14 Apr 202501:45