Birds of Paradise

Image for Birds of ParadiseNot currently available on BBC iPlayer

Natural World, 2009-2010 Episode 8 of 14

Duration: 59 minutes

Living in the depths of the New Guinea rainforest are the spectacular birds of paradise - creatures so beautiful that the first Europeans believed they must have fallen from heaven. Filming their bizarre courtship displays is the Holy Grail of wildlife film makers: some perform like iridescent acrobats, others make hypnotic pulsing sounds as they quiver and vibrate.

David Attenborough narrates the film. He has been entranced by these birds since he was a boy and he introduces a team of New Guinean naturalists as they embark on a gruelling expedition to try to film ten birds of paradise deep in the heart of the rainforest.

  • Wildlife Finder

    Wildlife Finder

    Explore the BBC nature archive and discover more about the Birds of Paradise featured in this programme.

    BBC Wildlife Finder: Birds of Paradise

  • Photo: Wilson's Bird of Paradise

    Photo: Wilson's Bird of Paradise

    One of the beautiful birds found in Western New Guinea, a Wilson's Bird of Paradise.

Credits

Narrator
David Attenborough
Director
Harvey Jones
Producer
Harvey Jones

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of Birds of Paradise (7)

Buy online

Available on: Blu-ray

From suppliers: Amazon, BBC Shop

Where to buy

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