U.S.SCIENCE

What Can Four-Winged Dinosaurs Teach Us About Birds?

Researchers say the newly identified species suggests flight was more widespread among dinosaurs than previously thought; the birds, for now, are keeping quiet.

On air: Hank Ledger, Dale Bearman and Chip Darnell on Wake Up, America
Published 5:47 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Photo: Sam / Olai Ose / Skjaervoy from Zhangjiagang, China · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Dale Bearman and Chip Darnell on this story, from Wake Up, America at 5:47 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The New York Times's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Sam / Olai Ose / Skjaervoy from Zhangjiagang, China · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Dinosaur — Photo: Sam / Olai Ose / Skjaervoy from Zhangjiagang, China · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “What Can Four-Winged Dinosaurs Teach Us About Birds?”
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:47 AM ET on Wake Up, America, by Hank Ledger, Dale Bearman and Chip Darnell.
Topics: US.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesWhat Can Four-Winged Dinosaurs Teach Us About Birds?

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWe promised you this one: a newly identified four-winged dinosaur species is shedding light on how some dinosaurs achieved liftoff, according to The New York Times.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd the big takeaway is that flight was probably far more widespread among dinosaurs than anyone thought, which means these creatures were basically the original frequent fliers.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorWidespread flight. So the sky was crowded long before we got there.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFour wings.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorImagine the baggage fees, Hank. Two extra wings and they still carry on one bag.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorBirds shed two wings and kept the airline's attitude. Evolution always trims the legroom.

▶ Watch BBN liveMore U.S. →

More Shorts

All videos →

Photo: Super Festivals · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Selma Blair arrested after alleged Delta flight incidentRead the story
▶ As it aired · U.S.Democrats hold 7-point lead on generic congressional ballot…Read the story
▶ Hot Take or Not · U.S.NFL Report Cards: Winless Teams Get an A for AttendanceAbout this segment
Photo: DHSgov · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
▶ Short · U.S.46 percent believe midterm vote will be counted accuratelyRead the story
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Mercedes-Benz Recalls 30,000-Plus S-Class Sedans for Brake IssueRead the story
▶ Interviews · U.S.Sister Sister 3 Deal: Guest Who Never Saw the Films AuditionsAbout this segment
Photo: U. S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Trump says he's 'looking at' firing ambassador GuilfoyleRead the story
Photo: Julian Herzog ( Website ) · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Mercedes recalls over 30,000 of its most expensive modelsRead the story
▶ Interviews · U.S.Senator Flees Debate: Expert Was 'in the Building'... Where?About this segment
▶ As it aired · U.S.Reality TV personality shot and killed in downtown OaklandRead the story