Skeleton of an Ostrich: a feathered dinosaur?

Birds are feathered dinosaurs. This clear, simple statement would have been avoided by experts even just a few years ago, although the theory was put forward shortly after the first Archaeopteryx finds. Now, 150 years later, it has been backed up by unequivocal fossil evidence, such as Microraptor, Velociraptor, Similicaudipteryx etc. There can be no denying that modern birds are related to two-legged predatory dinosaurs. It may be difficult for a lay person to imagine that budgerigars and the like are related in any way to the dangerous raptors. However, if you take a closer look at the skeleton of an ostrich - the largest extant bird – it is easier to make the connection. Its appearance is not unlike that of a raptor, and according to recent research, the similarities go far beyond the mere appearance. Thus, most small and medium-sized raptor dinosaurs were warm-blooded fast runners covered in thin plumage. They laid eggs and there is evidence that at least oviraptors also hatched them. Not a far cry from the ostrich, a bird that enjoys larger insects and small reptiles on its menu.

We recommend this online documentation of the 2011/2012 special exhibit: Feathered Flight — 150 years of Archaeopteryx