Hansa Archaeopteryx, 47cm H Archaeopteryx, is the earliest & most primitive bird known, Similar in shape to a European Magpie, & possibly the size of a raven, Archaeopteryx could grow to about 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) in length. Despite its small size, broad wings, & inferred ability to fly or glide, Archaeopteryx has more in common with small theropod dinosaurs than it does with modern birds.