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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

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Attenborough
Producer Richard Brock

Broadcasts

  • Tue 6 Mar 1979 20:10
  • Sun 11 Mar 1979 19:10
  • Tue 22 Apr 1980 19:35
  • Wed 23 Dec 1981 18:25
  • Mon 20 Oct 1986 19:35
  • Sun 28 Jun 1992 19:15
  • Wed 6 Feb 2013 16:15
  • Sat 1 Feb 2014 10:05

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.