Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Birds of Prey

Episode 12 of 12

Chris Packham explores what makes animal groups successful. What enables birds of prey, from peregrine falcons to bald eagles, to rule the aerial roost?

Chris Packham explores what enables birds of prey to rule the aerial roost. Their ability to dominate their fellow birds in terms of strength, manoeuvrability and phenomenal speed is down to a combination of anatomical and physiological adaptations.

Chris explains the internal workings of the bald eagle's ratchet talons and how sharp eyes and a gyroscopic head enable the goshawk to keep its sight firmly fixed on both its prey and its surroundings as it tears through the undergrowth. New research reveals how pop-up feathers on the peregrine falcon's back act like pits on a golf ball to reduce drag - allowing it to reach 220mph.

29 minutes

On TV

Friday 15:45

More episodes

Previous

Next

You are at the last episode

See all episodes from The Wonder of Animals

Clip

Music Played

  • London Grammar

    Wasting My Young Years

  • Paloma Faith

    Streets Of Glory

  • Nils Frahm

    Says

  • Four Tet

    Circling

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Chris Packham
Executive Producer Jonny Keeling
Producer Emily Taylor
Series Producer Aaron Paul

Broadcasts

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Earth

Visit Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Earth the new home of wildlife on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Wonder facts: The animals

Fact files on the animals featured in the series.