Introduction: Crowded Skies (02:46)

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Billions of animals occupy the space above ground; 98% of them are insects. Skies are used for migration and hunting, making them a competitive and busy place.

Aviary Anglers (06:59)

Cape Gannets compete for fish with other seabirds by plunging into the ocean at 100 kilometers an hour; adapted physiology, body streamlining and exact diving technique allow impact survival and swimming. African Skimmers drag their beaks across waters to catch food; some bats use talons as fishing hooks.

Aerial Courtship (09:05)

Anna's Hummingbirds pumps wings at 2,500 times a minute; males compete for affections by performing maneuvers generating G-forces comparable to a jet's. Glass Wing Butterflies attract mates by emitting pheromones, relaying to females his gender and defensive capabilities.

Brave Parents: Fighting Father (04:45)

A Kingbird male hunts all day to feed his family; he prefers agile and speedy dragonflies. Ravens threaten his nest; he defends it by maneuvering into their blinds spots, and holding position while harassing and pecking them.

Brave Parents: Dutiful Mother (04:55)

A Phorid fly lays her eggs on fire ants; precision flying to avoid counterattack, she plants over 100 eggs into leg joints. The larvae reprogram the insect's brain, which walks away from the colony, dying, and becoming food and refuge for the growing passenger.

Flying Pirate (04:31)

Frigatebird feathers are not waterproof; it can sink and drown by getting wet. They use their speed and superlative agility to aggressively harass and steal fish from other seabirds.

Progressive Aerial Battle (06:09)

One hundred million years ago, moths did not have night time predators, and did not adapt strong flying mechanisms. Bats find prey using echolocation; their emergence triggered evolution of defense tactics, Tiger Moths, and other subspecies.

Confusing Predators (07:55)

Starlings flock to defend against aerial attackers, unable to focus on a single target in the swarm. Scientists find that murmuration is achieved by individuals following three practices involving seven of their closest neighbors.

Credits: Crowded Skies (00:27)

Credits: Crowded Skies