Trials of Life - Season 1 Episode 11 Courting
This programme surveys the methods employed in attracting a mate, mainly those of birds. The Indian florican inhabits long grass, and so is difficult to see. In order to gain attention, it 'trampolines' in the same spot for up to 400 times a day. Whales sing to their prospective partners, and the female's calls can be heard by suitors for over eight kilometres. When animals send out signals of attraction, they must also ensure that they don't entice the wrong species, and so have markings that differ prominently. Attenborough highlights the booby as an example: there are around half a dozen species, all of which may occupy the same island. However, the blue-footed booby reassures its chosen mate by continually lifting its feet. Tropicbirds and marsh harriers are shown providing graceful aerobatic displays, while the sac-winged bat uses a strong perfume to lure a companion. Among those birds that produce the most spectacular visual displays are the lyrebird (which also has an elaborate song), the peacock, and the riflebird (and indeed most other birds of paradise). The bowerbird invites potential partners to inspect its bower: a specially prepared area that contains a hut or walkway augmented by strikingly coloured objects. The intricate dances performed by manakins in Trinidad are also examined. Finally, Attenborough observes the topi's display courts, whose sharply defined boundaries are jealously guarded by rival males.
Year: 1990
Genre: Documentary, Family
Country: United Kingdom
Studio: BBC One
Director:
Cast: David Attenborough
Crew: Mike Gunton (Director), Peter Jones (Executive Producer), Peter Jones (Producer), George Fenton (Music), Paul Atkins (Director of Photography), Martyn Colbeck (Director of Photography)
First Air Date: Oct 04, 1990
Last Air date: Dec 20, 1990
Season: 1 Season
Episode: 12 Episode
Runtime: 50 minutes
IMDb: 8.38/10 by 21.00 users
Popularity: 6.591
Language: English, Korean
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