Summary of Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes | DW Documental

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

In the "Aves - Supervivientes con Superpoderes" documentary by DW, researchers discuss the adaptation and survival of birds in the face of human-induced changes to their habitats and environments. The documentary highlights the island of Heligoland in the North Sea, home to one of the oldest ornithological research stations in the world. Bird populations, particularly migratory species, are declining due to habitat destruction and the disappearance of insects as a food source. Some species, like the European bee-eater and capercaillie tit, have adapted to changing climates and thrived. Urbanization poses new challenges for birds, with traffic noise and artificial lighting disrupting their natural behaviors and affecting their ability to learn and sing properly. Researchers use radar technology to track and map avian migrations and protect birds from light pollution. Birds, such as gulls and ravens, have adapted to urban environments and even benefit from human presence. Intelligent bird species, like ravens and parrots, exhibit complex social structures and cognitive abilities. The discovery of selfless behavior among gray parrots is the first evidence of altruistic behavior in non-mammal animals. The Peregrine Falcon population was severely affected by the use of DDT in the 1950s and 1960s, but has since recovered and adapted to urban environments. The role of dreams in birds and their importance for survival in a rapidly changing world is also explored.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the "Aves - Supervivientes con Superpoderes" documentary by DW, the focus is on the adaptation and survival of birds in the face of human-induced changes in their habitats and environments. The island of Heligoland in the North Sea is highlighted as an important site for observing bird migration, with one of the oldest ornithological research stations in the world located there. The station's long history dates back to the 1840s when a painter fell in love with the place and began systematically recording bird species. Scientific data collection began in the 1960s, with standardized data being collected seven times a day. Researchers use traps to capture birds without harm and record data such as weight, wing length, and fat percentage to assess their health. They have discovered that populations of migratory bird species are drastically declining, primarily due to habitat destruction and the disappearance of insects as a food source. However, researchers have also made an intriguing discovery: the European bee-eater begins its migration earlier than it used to, by several weeks. This small bird typically migrates to warmer regions in the south of Europe for the winter, but the reason for this change remains unknown.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the "Aves - Supervivientes con Superpoderes" documentary by DW, Dr. Joseph Win, an ornithological research assistant at Heligoland Station in Africa, discusses how some bird species, such as the capercaillie tit and the alcatraz, have adapted to changing climates and thrived. Birds migrate to warmer climates, and in recent decades, many have started migrating north, including to Britain, where they now have access to food sources in the form of bird feeders. The alcatraz, which first reproduced in Heligoland in 1991, has seen significant population growth due to these conditions. Other species, like the tridactyl gull, have struggled to adapt, as they rely on surface feeding and have had trouble reaching deeper water sources for food. The European skylark population has also decreased by nearly 70 million individuals since 1980 due to habitat loss and a lack of insects.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the DW Documental video "Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes," the loss of avian populations, particularly in North America, is discussed. The population of reproducing birds has decreased by nearly 30% over the past decade, with the loss of over 3 billion birds. This is not limited to endangered species, but also to common ones. These declines are not unique to North America, as studies around the world document unprecedented disminishments. This is a major concern for conservationists, as birds play crucial roles in ecosystems, distributing seeds, pollinating flowers, and maintaining insect populations. The loss of these services could have significant consequences for humans as well, as birds can serve as important indicators of environmental changes. Reasons for the population decline include habitat destruction and fragmentation, environmental contamination, and climate change. While the human population continues to grow and surpass 8 billion, agriculture is needed to feed everyone, and some bird species benefit from this. However, as urbanization advances, birds face new challenges in adapting to human-made sounds, which can disrupt their communication and breeding patterns. For instance, the European skylark is studied at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence in Germany, where researchers have found that birds sing more loudly in noisier environments, just as humans do. However, this increased noise can cause chronic stress and weaken birds, making it a significant problem for both humans and birds.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the "Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes" documentary by DW, researchers discuss the impact of urbanization on birds. They reveal that traffic noise and artificial lighting disrupt birds' natural behaviors, affecting their ability to learn and sing properly. This can lead to population decline, particularly for endangered species already struggling with habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The researchers also study bird migration using radar technology, which allows them to track and map avian movements across the United States. This data provides valuable insights into bird behavior and population dynamics, helping scientists better understand and protect these vital creatures.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the "Aves - Supervivientes con Superpoderes" documentary by DW, the use of radar technology is discussed as a tool to understand bird migration patterns and predict future migrations based on climate conditions. Dr. Doron Fandor employs this information to protect migratory birds from light pollution. By predicting large bird migrations and urging cities to turn off lights, thousands of birds could be saved. Birds, such as gulls, are adapting to urban environments and even benefiting from human presence. For instance, gulls have learned to nest on flat rooftops and follow human routines to find food. Researchers like Dr. Madeleine Gumas study these adaptations to better understand bird behavior and coexistence with humans.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the "Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes" documentary by DW, the focus shifts from gulls to other intelligent bird species, specifically the ravens living around the Tower of London and parrots in Loroparque, Tenerife. The ravens, known as the "Raven Masters," are protected and cared for due to a centuries-old legend that the tower will turn to dust if they disappear. These birds, with a wingspan over 1.5 feet and larger brains than most aves, plan their food-seeking tactics and even work together to share their finds. Parrots, despite having a brain the size of a nut, exhibit complex social structures and cognitive abilities comparable to great apes and dolphins. Researchers like Dr. Auguste Von Bayern from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence study their cooperative behavior, training African grey parrots to exchange tokens for food.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the "Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes" documentary by DW, researchers discover selfless behavior among gray parrots. Unlike their neighbor who can exchange food for fiches, the parrot doesn't eat and instead gives its fiches to its neighbor to help them reach their goal. This is the first evidence of altruistic behavior in non-mammal animals, as scientists previously believed that only primates exhibited such behavior. The parrots' altruistic actions are complex, as they must recognize when their neighbor needs help. The researchers hope their investigation will show that birds have been underestimated in terms of intelligence and should be considered "feathered primates." Meanwhile, in London, a population of Asian and African parakeets, or kakarikis, has unexpectedly impacted the Peregrine Falcon population by providing an abundant food source. These parrots, which were once kept as pets and escaped, have reproduced successfully, with an estimated 8,600 breeding pairs living in the UK. Peregrine Falcons have a diverse diet, including the parakeets, which have large, orange, and inedible beaks, leaving behind distinctive remains. The parakeets' arrival in London remains a mystery, but it's believed they may have escaped from captivity.
• 00:35:00 In this section of the documentary "Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes" by DW Documental, the focus is on the Peregrine Falcons and how their population was severely affected by the use of DDT in the 1950s and 1960s. The toxin, which was used to fumigate crops, made its way up the food chain and caused the falcons to lay eggs with thin shells that broke during incubation. After the DDT was banned in the 1980s, the population began to recover, and now there are almost 1700 breeding pairs in the UK. The falcons have adapted to urban environments and have added pigeons and starlings to their diet. If they expand to other parts of England, they may even benefit further from the addition of the common pheasant, which is easy to catch. The documentary also explores the idea that birds, like humans and some mammals, learn from experiences during sleep, and researchers are studying how this process works in birds using infrared cameras to observe their pupil contractions during sleep.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the DW Documental video "Aves - Supervivientes con superpoderes," the discussion turns to the role of dreams in birds and their importance for survival in a rapidly changing anthropogenic world. Birds are shown to respond to new environments in various ways, with some finding new food sources and resources in new habitats. However, the changes brought about by humans often have devastating consequences for bird populations, with millions at risk of extinction. Despite this, a better understanding of birds and their conservation is the best hope for future generations to continue living with these magnificent creatures. The video suggests that birds' dreams may help them process and learn from their daily experiences, allowing them to adapt to a rapidly changing world. However, the neurological function of dreams in birds is not yet fully understood.