Film Clips
Embryonic Development
In this sequence from Flight: The Genius of Birds the complete development of a chicken embryo is documented in stunning detail.
Skeleton
A bird’s entire skeleton can account for less than 5% of its total body weight. Yet its bones are strong enough to withstand the constant stress of flapping, take-offs, and landings.
Hummingbird Tongue
In order to fuel its heart and wings that can flap up to 100 times-a-second, a hummingbird must eat several times an hour. Its tongue is uniquely designed for the task.
Feathers
The feathers of a bird are superbly engineered to create its aerodynamic shape and protect it from the challenges of water and weather.
Muscles
The structure and operation of a bird’s highly efficient flight muscles are illustrated with computer animation.
Starling Murmurations
200,000 European starlings perform spectacular displays of aerial acrobatics on a winter evening in southern England.
