Ep 5. Freaky Fliers

The Most Extreme season 5 episode 5, titled "Freaky Fliers," explores the incredible and unusual flying abilities of different animal species. From the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon, to the graceful and majestic albatross, viewers are treated to an exciting journey into the skies.

The episode opens with a look at the common swift, a small bird that spends almost its entire life in the air. The swift's wings have adapted to make it an extremely efficient flyer, able to fly for days at a time without stopping. During the breeding season, swifts will even sleep in the air, with one half of their brain sleeping while the other half remains alert.

Next, the episode shifts focus to the peregrine falcon, a bird renowned for its incredible speed. The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, able to reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour in a dive. This incredible speed is thanks to its streamlined body and powerful wings, which allow it to dive faster than any other creature on the planet.

Moving on from the peregrine falcon, the episode takes a look at the albatross, another bird with amazing flying abilities. Albatrosses are able to fly for days or even weeks at a time without stopping, covering thousands of miles with ease. They do this by using a technique known as dynamic soaring, which involves riding the wind currents above the ocean to conserve energy.

The episode also explores some of the more unusual flying creatures in the animal kingdom, such as the flying snake and the flying fish. While neither of these creatures can truly fly in the traditional sense, they are able to glide through the air for short distances. The flying snake uses its body to create a "wing" that allows it to glide from tree to tree, while the flying fish is able to leap out of the water and glide through the air to escape predators.

Other animals featured in the episode include the dragonfly, which is able to fly forwards, backwards, and even sideways with incredible agility and speed, and the bat, which is able to navigate in complete darkness using echolocation.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of these amazing creatures in flight, as well as expert insight into the science behind their incredible abilities. The Most Extreme season 5 episode 5 "Freaky Fliers" is an unforgettable journey into the world of animal flight, highlighting just how incredible and diverse the natural world truly is.