A rare Archaeopteryx fossil was kept from scientists for decades. Its first-ever analysis reveals how the ‘first bird’ took flight

CNN

Published May 21, 2025 @ 1:37 PM

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to stay updated on exciting discoveries. A recent study examined a newly available Archaeopteryx fossil, shedding light on the first bird's flying abilities. Only 14 fossils of this ancient bird have been found due to private collectors limiting scientific access. The specimen acquired by Chicago’s Field Museum revealed new evidence of powered flight through advanced imaging techniques. Research published in Nature described the well-preserved specimen, providing insights into avian evolution.