Signals for Survival
(1968)
An in-depth and intriguing study of behaviour and communication in a single species, the lesser black-backed gull, Signals for Survival sheds a whole new light on a seemingly familiar subject. Following ornithological and animal behaviour expert Professor Niko Tinbergen, the production offers an interesting interpretation of gull language, analysing the birds' posture as well as voice.
Impressive photography from the BBC's Natural History Unit (NHU) records the gulls' behaviour as they feed, court and raise chicks. Described by the NHU's founder Chris Parsons as "a masterly exposition of animal communication", Signals for Survival was met with widespread acclaim, winning the Italia prize for Television Documentary in 1969.