Archaeopteryx was principally arboreal on the basis of the curvature of the claws which has since been questioned. The absence of trees does not preclude "Archaeopteryx" from an arboreal lifestyle, as several species of bird live exclusively in low shrubs. Various aspects of the morphology of "Archaeopteryx" point to either an arboreal or ground existence, including the length of its legs and the elongation in its feet; some authorities consider it likely to have been a generalist capable of feeding in both shrubs and open ground, as well as along the shores of the lagoon. It most likely hunted small prey,
Specimens of Archaeopteryx that "Archaeopteryx" could have raised its short second toe in a similar manner to its dromaeosaur cousin "Deinonychus", whose second toe bore an enlarged "sickle claw" for probable use in predation. It remains unclear whether "Archaeopteryx" also used its hyperextended toe-claw in a similar fashion or for some other purpose. Taken together, many of the unique features of the skull, feet and coracoid strengthen a close relationship of archaeopterygids to deinonychosaurian theropods. Well-preserved imprints of wing and tail plumage show details of the barbs, but not barbules, and the shafts of 11 primaries can be counted on the right wing.