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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Microraptor

Microraptor is a genus of small, feathered dromaeosaurid dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of what is now China.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Microraptor is a genus of small, feathered dromaeosaurid dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of what is now China. It is known for having long flight feathers on both its forelimbs and hind limbs, giving it a four-winged appearance, and for being among the smallest non-avian dinosaurs known.

Discovery and classification

Microraptor is known from well-preserved fossils discovered in northeastern China. It belongs to Dromaeosauridae, a group of theropod dinosaurs closely related to birds.

Physical characteristics

The animal was small, lightly built, and covered in feathers, with feathers on both the forelimbs and hind limbs. Its tail also had feathers, and some studies have reported iridescent plumage.

Flight and locomotion

Microraptor is widely discussed as a glider or possible flyer because of its four-winged anatomy. Its proportions and feather arrangement have made it important in research on the evolution of flight in dinosaurs and birds.

Diet and ecology

Evidence suggests Microraptor was carnivorous. Reported prey includes fish, lizards, insects, and other small animals, indicating a predatory role in its ecosystem.

Key facts

  • Microraptor is a small, feathered dinosaur genus within the dromaeosaurid theropods.
  • It lived during the Early Cretaceous, roughly 125–120 million years ago.
  • Fossils have been found in China, especially in Liaoning Province.
  • It had long feathers on both its arms and legs, producing a four-winged appearance.
  • Microraptor is closely related to other dromaeosaurs such as Velociraptor.
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Canadian context

Microraptor is relevant to Canadian readers through its importance in dinosaur evolution and feathered-dinosaur research, topics commonly covered in Canadian museums, universities, and science education.

Frequently asked questions

What was Microraptor?
Microraptor was a small, feathered dromaeosaurid dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of China.
Why is Microraptor called four-winged?
Because it had long feathers on both its forelimbs and hind limbs, creating a four-winged appearance.
How big was Microraptor?
Sources describe it as very small, with estimates around 2 pounds in weight and about 1 foot tall, though size figures vary by source.
What did Microraptor eat?
It was carnivorous and is reported to have eaten small animals such as fish, lizards, insects, and other vertebrates.
When did Microraptor live?
Microraptor lived during the Early Cretaceous, about 125–120 million years ago.
Where have Microraptor fossils been found?
Most well-known fossils come from Liaoning, China.

References

  1. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/microraptor.html
    Supports: Classification as a small feathered dromaeosaur; Early Cretaceous age; China; diet; locomotion; type species Microraptor zhaoianus.
  2. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric/facts/microraptor
    Supports: Small size; meaning of name; feathers on forelimbs and hind limbs; tail feathers; iridescent feathers; tiny raptor dinosaur description.
  3. Science — https://www.science.org/content/article/meet-microraptor-birdlike-dinosaur
    Supports: Microraptor as a birdlike dinosaur; extremely small size; significance for bird-dinosaur evolution; dromaeosaur relationship.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microraptor
    Supports: Summary of genus, fossil locality, geological age, and named species; useful as a secondary compilation but less authoritative than museum and journalistic science sources.