Archaeopteryx debate, and confirmation of evolution. In March 2018, scientists reported that "Archaeopteryx" was likely capable of flight, but in a manner substantially different from that of modern birds. Most of the specimens of "Archaeopteryx" that have been discovered come from the Solnhofen limestone in Bavaria, southern Germany, which is a lagerstätte, a rare and remarkable geological formation known for its superbly detailed fossils laid down during the early Tithonian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 150.8–148.5 million years ago. "Archaeopteryx" was roughly the size of a raven, with broad wings that were rounded at the ends and a long tail
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.