File:Archaeopteryx.png

English: Between the late 19th century and the early 21st century, Archaeopteryx was generally accepted by paleontologists as the oldest known bird. Archaeopteryx lived in the Late Jurassic around 150 million years ago, in what is now southern Germany. The largest species could grow to about 0.5 m in length. Despite their small size, broad wings, and inferred ability to fly or glide, Archaeopteryx had more in common with other small Mesozoic dinosaurs than with modern birds.