Research summary
Classification used here: Small bird-like theropod dinosaur. Fossils assigned to Archaeopteryx are known from Late Jurassic (about 149–145 million years ago) and have been found in Bavaria, Germany. The museum uses 0.5 m (about 1.6 ft) as the reference body length and describes the diet as meat-eater. Archaeopteryx was a small feathered theropod dinosaur. It had broad feathered wings, along with teeth, wing claws and a long bony tail unlike those of modern birds. Wing-bone research supports active flapping flight, although its flight style and range were not the same as those of modern birds.
Fossil evidence and reconstruction limits
- “The first bird” is a familiar historical label, while Archaeopteryx’s exact place in early bird evolution continues to be refined.
- Its wing bones support active flapping flight, but flight distance, take-off style and the balance between ground and tree activity remain uncertain.
- Its complete feather colours and patterns are not known from the evidence represented by this model.
Scientific sources
Leon Made This compiled these research notes from public museum resources and scientific papers while preserving uncertainty in the reconstruction. Last reviewed 2026-09-01.
