images

Microraptor

by

Walter B. Myers/Novapix

Reference

t-din03-00503

Date

2011-03-25

A feathered Microraptor alights atop a tree fern 120 million years ago in what is today Liaoning, China. Like the older Archaeopteryx, Microraptor was about size of a modern European Magpie and is one of smallest dinosaurs ever discovered. Microraptor's entire body was covered with feathers including a broad stabilizing tail and elongated feathers for flying on both its arms and legs, leading to its classification as a four-winged dromaeosaur.