This is a fascinating documentary about hummingbirds - the world's most accomplished fliers. This tiny bird evolved in Brazil to feed on nectar, and so pollinate plants. There is spectacular high-speed film of the birds in flight: the wings beat over 50 times a second and rotate to allow the hummingbird to hover and even fly backwards so that it can feed on flowers and catch insects. The beak and tongue of many species of hummingbird have adapted to allow them to feed on particular flowers. Their heart beats 1200 times a minute in flight, but falls to 40 beats per minute at night when they go into torpor to save energy. There are descriptions of their plumage (which uses diffraction to change color), courting, nesting, territorial behavior, and migration from Canada to Central America. David Attenborough is, as always, a superb narrator.
4 Reviews
A must-see for hummingbird lovers.
planktonrules11 June 2020
I adore hummingbirds and have seven hummingbird feeders on my deck. So, it's obvious that I'd be a good candidate to see and recommend this show! But even if you aren't a bird nut who loves these little birds, it's hard to imagine anyone not being captivated by this show narrated by David Attenborough. Why? Well, because the cinematography is unbelievably good. By slowing down the birds, you get to see so much of them that you normally won't see when you see them in the wild. Expertly filmed, that's for sure. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that Attenborough makes some statements about extinct hummingbird species that are informed guesses...not the 'facts' he states. In other words, saying how an extinct species behaved is not a certain thing.
Hooray For The Humming Of The Hummingbirds!
StrictlyConfidential25 April 2020
Without a single doubt - Hummingbirds are my absolute, #1 favorite feathered friends of all the species of birds in the entire world.
Believe me - These tiny, glittering little critters are so amazing to watch. I mean - Not only can hummingbirds fly backwards and sideways - But, (get this) they can also fly upside down, as well.
Anyway - In this informative "Jewelled Messengers" nature documentary (hosted by David Attenborough) the viewer gets a really rare opportunity to see these beautiful and unique little creatures up close, hovering around in mid-air, collecting delicious nectar, and socializing with each other in the wild.
Believe me - These tiny, glittering little critters are so amazing to watch. I mean - Not only can hummingbirds fly backwards and sideways - But, (get this) they can also fly upside down, as well.
Anyway - In this informative "Jewelled Messengers" nature documentary (hosted by David Attenborough) the viewer gets a really rare opportunity to see these beautiful and unique little creatures up close, hovering around in mid-air, collecting delicious nectar, and socializing with each other in the wild.
Stunningly beautiful nature documentary
gesges-1349122 February 2021
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