Combined microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to characterize a fossilized feather with minimal damage to the specimen.

•The ultrastructure characterization of fossil feathers can be performed using conventional SEM combined with HRTEM.•Even after the fossilization process, it is possible to detect the presence of molecules from the feather matrix.•The use of combined analytical and microscopy methods can contribute to the study of fossils generating precise results with minimum damage to the sample.