Birdmen is a mixed documentary that uses archive footage, voiceovers, and narration to tell the story of wing suit flying. It establishes the history of the sport from early pioneers in the 1940s to increased popularity in the 1990s. The documentary then focuses on four modern American professionals who are pushing the limits of wing suit flying through more dangerous dives in remote locations. It emphasizes the risks of the sport by recounting Patrick DeGayardon's death in 1998 during an attempt to modify his wingsuit. In conclusion, it discusses how wing suit flying is becoming ever more popular and evolving as a sport.