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The sky is one of the world's most challenging places to live, but across the planet, an extraordinary range of animals do something we can only dream of take to the air. Some spend their whole lives airborne, while others only visit. But, they all have one thing in common: they survive by taking to the skies.
How do the planets strongest flyers push the limits of flight right to the very edge?
How do animals overcome one of the planet’s most powerful and universal forces – gravity?
Bat vs Moth: A Nighttime Arms Race
Every night an arms race is played out between bats and moths for domination of the sky.
Anna’s Hummingbirds Attract Mates with Speed
For its size the Anna’s Hummingbird has the fastest courtship display in the animal world.
A flock is one of the most spectacular sights in nature – but how does it work?
The jumbo jet of the bird world needs a runway and carefully applied power.
Albatross are masters of low cost, longhaul travel, using the power of the wind to fly.
Bat Wings: The Ultimate Flying Machine?
The Brazilian free-tailed bat is one of the most versatile flyers in the animal kingdom.
The Rhinoceros Beetle in Flight
To keep their huge bodies airborne, these beetles twist their wings for extra thrust.
A Caracal’s Incredible Vertical Launch
Caracals are adapted to catch birds in flight and capable of leaping up to 3m high.
A Flying Squirrel’s Greatest Threat is the Great Horned Owl
Flying squirrels can find food fast in winter and short flights help them avoid owls.
Australia’s Greatest Leapers Defy Gravity
For kangaroos, hopping is key to the most efficient form of locomotion on land.
Wood Ducklings Take a Leap of Faith on the Day They Hatch
It’ll be two weeks before they can fly. They have to jump for it.
Explore the wonder and science of one of nature’s greatest innovations. Own it now on DVD!
