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Lords of the Air

Episode 8 of 13

The story of life, from the first primitive cells to the plants and animals that live around us. David Attenborough looks at the advantages of birds' feathers.

The story of life, from the first primitive cells to the plants and animals that now live around us. David Attenborough examines the uses and advantages of birds' unique possession - the feather. Man has yet to invent anything that, weight for weight, is as strong as the feather. Feathers are insulators, they provide the surface of the most perfect aerofoils known - bird's wings. Plus they play a central role in courtship.

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54 minutes

Last on

Sat 1 Feb 201410:05
BBC Two

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Victors of the Dry Land

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The Rise of the Mammals

See all episodes from Life on Earth

Clips

See all clips from Lords of the Air(2)

Credits

PresenterDavid Attenborough
ProducerRichard Brock

Broadcasts

  • Tue 6 Mar 197920:10
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Sun 11 Mar 197919:10
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Tue 22 Apr 198019:35
    BBC One
  • Wed 23 Dec 198118:25
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Mon 20 Oct 198619:35
    BBC One
  • Sun 28 Jun 199219:15
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Wed 6 Feb 201316:15
    BBC Two Wales, Northern Ireland, England & Scotland only
  • Sat 1 Feb 201410:05
    BBC Two HD, Wales, England, Scotland & Northern Ireland only

David Attenborough's favourite moments from 30 years of broadcasting

David Attenborough's favourite moments from 30 years of broadcasting

From close encounters with rare creatures to poignant insight on the state of the planet.