Wild America

1982 • PBS
4.5
118 reviews
TV-PG
Rating
Eligible
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Season 2 episodes (10)

1 The Bill Makes The Bird
2/10/12
Season-only
Whether it chisels, pecks or cracks, a Bird's bill plays a big part in what unique Ecological Niche it will fill. With sturdy conical bills, a Grosbeak crushes the hardest seeds. Using the notch on a hooked beak, a Falcon snaps the neck of prey. Limpkins slide their long curved bills into snail shells and, with spatula-shaped mandibles, Spoonbills seine southern waters.
2 Birds of a Feather
2/10/12
Season-only
Birds are distinguished from other animals by their feathers. Few of Nature's creations surpass the feather's function, beauty and design. These delicate, yet complex, structures insulate, waterproof, camouflage, and adorn. But the most notable function of feathers is flight. Join Marty Stouffer as we learn how feathers give Birds a powerful edge in the struggle to survive.
3 Birds of Prey
2/10/12
Season-only
Symbols of noble power and unsurpassed freedom —Falcons, Hawks and Eagles still arouse in us a centuries-old mystique. From the tiny Shrike to the majestic Eagle, they come in all sizes, populate every habitat and are each specifically designed for the prey they hunt. Some of the most impressive animals on earth are these expert, legendary hunters — aristocrats of the air.
4 Call to Courtship
2/10/12
Season-only
As spring unfolds, the sweet melodies of Birds provide a welcome break from the stillness of winter. The trills and eye-catching displays of courting males actually serve a dual purpose — to intimidate rivals as well as to attract prospective mates. The song and dance rituals are all orchestrated toward a single goal — to ensure the most fit pass on genes for future generations.
5 Feathered Jewels
2/10/12
Season-only
The fifteen species of Hummingbirds that nest north of Mexico are exquisitely beautiful in their multi-colored iridescence. All are unique to the New World. European explorers were astounded by these tiny, glittering birds that zipped up and down, backwards and sideways, with wings humming and blurred. Here they are seen as never before, and we savor every last little wingbeat.
6 A Nest is Best
2/10/12
Season-only
A Bird does not need a house to make itself a happy home. They can be cup-shaped, or long and hollow, like gourds. They can be coarsely made of sticks and mud, or exquisitely woven of spider web and down. They can be found anywhere, deftly hidden or dangerously exposed. Even the eggs that fill them are not always egg-shaped. This program shows that Birds do not need a house to make a home.
7 Owls: Lords of Darkness
2/10/12
Season-only
The Owl's incredible sight and hearing are second to none in the animal world, and its ability to fly with utter soundlessness is nothing short of remarkable. Its life history is endlessly intriguing. The eighteen species of North American Owls are creatures of mystery. Owls are undisputed champions of the Birds of Prey. They reign — as they have for ages — lords of darkness.
8 Wild Wings
2/10/12
Season-only
America's Birds come in all shapes and sizes, and they range from homely to breathtaking. But they share one thing in common — the awesome power of flight. The airborne freedom which sets Birds apart from other creatures has been envied by man for centuries. All the diverse Bird types are seen — powerful predators, melodious songbirds, and graceful water birds.
9 Woodies and Hoodies
2/10/12
Season-only
Two of the world's most beautiful ducks are North American natives. The Wood Duck, or "Woody," dabbles on plant life. The Hooded Merganser, or "Hoody", dives for fish. Differences in lifestyles lead to amusing events when female Woodies and Hoodies lay eggs in each other's nests. We watch as a mother Woody at Iroquois Wildlife Refuge tries to raise a mixed brood.
10 Woodpeckers: Nature's Hammerheads
2/10/12
Season-only
The ancients believed these Birds were gods that could bring forth rain by tapping their bills. Woodpeckers cannot perform miracles, but they do know how to use their heads. Special adaptations enable them to whack away at tree trunks with extraordinary force in their quest for food and shelter. This high-powered hammering also benefits humans by destroying Insect pests

About this show

Marty Stouffer's "Wild America" stands alone as the first and only film library to focus exclusively on the nature of America. This unprecedented series offers viewers a truly complete video encyclopedia of North American Wildlife. From the tropics to the arctic and from coast to coast, explore this magnificent menagerie - mice, moose, mink, marten, manatee and many more. Experience the full panorama of America's natural wonders. Each season is organized thematically into the following curated collections:

Season 1 Collection: Amazing And Unique Animals
Season 2 Collection: Beautiful And Beloved Birds
Season 3 Collection: Big Game Of America
Season 4 Collection: Creepy And Crawly Critters
Season 5 Collection: Cuddly And Cool Creatures
Season 6 Collection: Game Birds And Fishes
Season 7 Collection: Mysterious And Marvelous Mammals
Season 8 Collection: Nature Parks And Refuges
Season 9 Collection: Predator And Prey Olympics
Season 10 Collection: Small Game Of America
Season 11 Collection: Unusual And Endangered Species
Season 12 Collection: Watching And Photographing Wildlife

Ratings and reviews

4.5
118 reviews
A Google user
July 18, 2018
I love Marty Stauffer. I've watched Marty's programs for many years,ever since I was a young boy & I watched Marty&the animals with my Grandmother. I have been so happy&excited every time I happen by "Wild America" when watching TV&flipping through the channels,usually either late at night,in the morning,or I happen by chance to find Marty's show on the weekend when he is going out of his way to rescue&rehab an injured or abandoned young animal. I just wanted to say both "Hello",&"Thank you",to Marty while I've got the chance. My Grandmother and I watched Marty together alot of times for alot of years,&those times together with my Dear Grandmother are still and always will be some of my greatest memories. Thank you Marty,&may God bless you greatly.
6 people found this review helpful
Chris Godwin
February 11, 2019
america america the great ,,,shows were great....crazy info on just common sence. I look back and really smile ,you know that kid smile, ear to ear . then I look at where Im at now, well at least I can still look back , Thanks for the years marty
alice schadewald
June 5, 2016
i haven't bought any - yet - but I watched this show for years. it has enlightened many people with nature. Thank you. i plan to make purchases, soon
1 person found this review helpful