Meaning 'old wing', Archaeopteryx was one of the first feathered dinosaurs to be discovered, and was for some time thought to be the first bird. It was about the same size as a modern raven. Studies of fossilised feathers have determined that at least some of its feathers were black, but matte black like a raven’s, not iridescent like those of Microraptor. It is not entirely certain whether it was merely a glider, or also capable of powered flight. It was not able to lift its wings above its back to flap like modern birds, but recent studies seem to indicate it was able to fly using a different pattern of wing strokes.

(Jurassic, 150.8-148.5 million years ago)