

Water Birds
Synopsis
Water Birds is a 1952 short documentary film directed by Ben Sharpsteen. The film delves into the still waters of lagoons and marshes to the wild blue wilderness of the vast oceans, to experience the beauty and variety of their majestic birds, each perfectly designed for its habitat. It won the Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-Reel.

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Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
June 26, 1952
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ben Sharpsteen
- Screenplay & Story
- Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, William Otis
- Original Score
- Paul J. Smith
- Original Title
- Water Birds
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 30m
- Production Studios
- Walt Disney Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ben Sharpsteen
Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, William Otis
Paul J. Smith
Norman R. Palmer
Walt Disney
Department Leadership Roster
Ben Sharpsteen
Director
Winston Hibler
Screenplay
Ted Sears
Screenplay
William Otis
Screenplay
Walt Disney
Producer
Norman R. Palmer
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Water Birds.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Water Birds.
Nature-Documentary
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MNR
KidsMissing
Academy Awards - Best Live Action Short Film Winners 1932-2025
Academy Awards winners archive (Best Live Action Short Film Winners 1932-2025)
Academy Awards: Winners
Oscar Best Shorts Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Shorts Nominees
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Frequently Asked Questions About Water Birds
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Water Birds about?
Water Birds is a 1952 short documentary film directed by Ben Sharpsteen. The film delves into the still waters of lagoons and marshes to the wild blue wilderness of the vast oceans, to experience the beauty and variety of their majestic birds, each perfectly designed for its habitat. It won the Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-Reel.
Who directed Water Birds?
Water Birds was directed by Ben Sharpsteen.
Who stars in Water Birds?
The principal cast of Water Birds includes Winston Hibler.
When was Water Birds released and how long is it?
Water Birds was released in 1952 with a total runtime of 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Water Birds?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Water Birds was composed by Paul J. Smith.



















