The first known bird appeared about 150 million years ago, back when dinosaurs still roamed.
This creature’s fossils were discovered in 1861. Scientists call the crow-size bird archaeopteryx (ahr-kee-OP-ter-iks), which means “ancient wing.” It was the first creature known to have feathers.
Unlike modern birds, the archaeopteryx had sharp teeth. It also had a relatively flat breastbone and a long bony tail. We don’t know if its feathers were for keeping in body heat, like a permanent sweater, or for flight. Many scientists believe archaeopteryx was a transitional animal. It existed between dinosaurs and the birds we see today.
