Archaeopteryx is an extinct species of bird that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It is one of the earliest known birds, and is widely considered to be the ancestor of modern birds. Archaeopteryx had many features that were similar to both modern birds and dinosaurs,
Archaeopteryx, sometimes referred to by its German name, "Urvogel " is an extinct genus of bird-like dinosaurs. The genus name derives from the Ancient Greek ἀρχαῖος, meaning 'ancient', and πτέρυξ, meaning 'feather, wing'. Between the late 19th century and the early 21st century, Archaeopteryx was generally accepted by palaeontologists and popular reference books as the oldest known bird. Older potential avialans have since been identified, including Anchiornis, Xiaotingia, Aurornis, and Baminornis.