Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs

In a large diorama two models of pterosaurs with orange crests soar over a blue ocean
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs draws on incredible fossil discoveries to reveal surprising clues about the first and largest vertebrates to evolve powered flight.

They flew with their fingers and walked on their wings. Some were the size of a fighter jet while others were smaller than a sparrow. Millions of years ago, the skies were ruled by pterosaurs. 

Neither birds nor dinosaurs, pterosaurs were flying reptiles that flourished for more than 150 million years. Step back in time and learn about the diversity of pterosaurs, their unique wing-finger anatomy, and impressive capabilities for flight and locomotion. 

Highlights

A combination of rare fossils, life-size models, and hands-on interactives bring these ancient animals to life.

Get a first-hand look at the fossils that have helped paleontologists learn about these amazing animals, use your body to pilot a pterosaur over a prehistoric landscape in a virtual flight lab, and encounter spectacular life-size models of pterosaurs including giants such as Quetzalcoatlus northropi.

A full-size model of the 33-foot-wingspan Quetzalcoatlus northropi soars above visitors.
A full-size model of the 33-foot-wingspan Quetzalcoatlus northropi soars above visitors.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
A boy standing in front of a large monitor showing a pterosaur in flight with its wings mirroring the boy's outstretched arms
Visitors can “pilot” a flying pterosaur over a prehistoric landscape in an interactive exhibit that uses motion-sensing technology.
R. Mickens/© AMNH
Visitors look at a wall of pterosaur crest illustrations and pterosaur fossils
A gallery display illustrates the incredible variety of pterosaur crests—from a dagger-shaped blade that juts from the head to a giant, sail-like extension.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
Four children sit at interactive iPad stations set against a wall with large images of pterosaurs
Discover different pterosaur species in a companion app, which features animations, scientist interviews, and more.
R. Mickens/© AMNH
A visitor examines a display comparing the structure and bones in three wings of different sizes
Compare wing structures to find out how pterosaur wings are different from those of birds or bats.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
A visitor controls an interactive animated pterosaur on a large monitor explaining the lift and thrust of pterosaur wings
Experiment with the principles of aerodynamics in a virtual wind tunnel that responds to hand movements.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
Fossil cast of pterosaur with wings
"Dark Wing" Fossil Cast: In this remarkable Rhamphorhynchus muensteri fossil, the wing tissues are so well preserved that under ultraviolet light scientists detected layers of skin threaded with blood vessels, muscles, and long fibers that stiffened the wing.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
Fossil of an incomplete adult pterosaur
Scaphognathus Fossil Cast: Scaphognathus was a pterosaur that lived in what is now Germany during the Late Jurassic about 150 million years ago. This fossil shows an incomplete adult with a 3-foot wingspan (0.9 m).
C. Chesek/© AMNH

Key Questions

  • What were pterosaurs?
  • How diverse were pterosaurs?
  • How did pterosaurs fly?
  • How do scientists use fossils to study pterosaurs?

Reviews

"A thoroughly entrancing new exhibition."
– The New York Times

"The exhibit is brimming with fun facts."
– Science

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Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).