Big Birds Can't Fly

Gr 6 Up—This episode on ratities, the species of large, flightless birds, goes into great detail, probably more than the average student would want to know or understand, about the evolution of these birds and their various classifications. Host and narrator Sir David Attenborough utilizes charts to trace their lineage to their ancient counterparts and describes them—the African ostrich, the Australian emu and cassowary, the South American rhea, and the New Zealand kiwi—as the "Flintstones of the bird world." One of the most exciting scenes highlights the African ostrich trying to survive alongside some of the most dangerous predators: cheetahs, lions, and hyenas. Attenborough explains that it is extremely rare for any predator to catch an African ostrich on the run. While the film educates viewers on those characteristics of ratites that ensure survival despite the inability to fly, much of the material is presented rather hastily and might require additional viewing. One important note for educators is that about midway through, several minutes are spent on the courtship ritual as well as the graphic mating act, which does very little to support the topic.