Fossils That Made History: Sinosauropteryx (1997)

The first of a spectacular series of "dino-bird" discoveries in China's Liaoning quarry, the well-preserved fossil of Sinosauropteryx betrays the unmistakable impression of primitive, hair-like feathers.

Fossil of Sinosauropteryx prima, the first “feathered” dinosaur. Its primitive feathers could be seen clearly on the head, back, and tail. The length of the fossil is about 130 cm.

The first genus of dinosaur outside of Avialae (birds and their immediate relatives) to be found with evidence of feathers. They were covered with "furry" coats of very simple filament-like feathers. Structures that indicate colouration have been preserved for some of the feathers, which also makes Sinosauropteryx the first non-avialian dinosaurs where colouration has been determined. Colouration includes a banded tail with reddish and light bands.