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Key Information

Microraptor

Species Microraptor zhaoianus, Microraptor gui, Microraptor hanqingi
Diet Carnivore
Height About 1 ft
Length 2.53 ft
Wingspan 2.8 to 3 ft
Weight 1.1 to 3.1 lb
Timescale Early Cretaceous
Classification Theropoda > Dromaeosauridae > Microraptoria
Similar Species Hesperonychus, Sinornithosaurus

Learning Point

  • Microraptor is one of the most interesting dinosaurs discovered as it was a flying or gliding animal, moving differently to most living birds. Recent discoveries have helped us learn even the colours of its feathers.

Project

  • Draw Microraptor gliding or flying through the air.
  • Overview
  • X-Ray
  • Feathers
Microraptor
Fred Wierum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Skeleton of Microraptor
Jaime A. Headden (User:Qilong), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Microraptor Feathers
David W. E. Hone, Helmut Tischlinger, Xing Xu, Fucheng Zhang, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Location

Confirmed China

Fun Facts

  • The name Microraptor comes from Greek and Latin meaning “small thief“.
  • The little dinosaur was initially mixed up with at least two other species of dinosaur, and then smuggled into the USA.
  • Microraptor was among the first dinosaurs that weren’t birdlike and had feathers.
  • There is some evidence to suggest it was coloured with an iridescent black plumage.

Past Lessons

133 January 8, 2024 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

No Upcoming Lessons