Tiny Dino: Reconstructing Microraptor's Black Feathers

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Black feather Microraptor sketch

A black iridescent feather laid atop sketches of <i>Microraptor</i>.

(Image credit: Mick Ellison)

Fossilized Microraptor feathers

A fossil of feathers from <i>Microraptor</i>.

(Image credit: Mick Ellison)

Preserved wing feathering of MicroraptorM.

Preserved Microraptor feathers

Fossilized feathers from the wing of <i>Microraptor</i>.

(Image credit: Mick Ellison)

Fossilized feathers from the wing of Microraptor.

Fossilized Microraptor skull

The fossilized skull of <i>Microraptor</i>.

(Image credit: Mick Ellison)

Fossilized Microraptor skull.

Microraptor specimen fossil

<i>Microraptor</i> specimen fossil

(Image credit: Mick Ellison)

Microraptor specimen fossil.

Microraptor tail feathers

Long tail feathers fossilized in rock

(Image credit: Mick Ellison)

The fossilized elongated feathers of Microraptor's sexy tail.

Microraptor reconstruction

Reconstruction of the dinosaur <i>Microraptor</i>, an iridescent black color, with four wings and an elongated tail with decorative feathers.

(Image credit: Science/AAAS)

Microraptor Reconstruction, with four wings and elongated tail feathers.

Microraptor illustration

Illustration of <i>Microraptor<i> on a tree branch, looking like an iridescent crow.

(Image credit: Jason Brougham/University of Texas)

Artist's illustration of a Microraptor with iridescent plumage.

Two Microraptor illustration

Artist's illustration of two <i>Microraptor</i> with black iridescent plumage on a branch.

(Image credit: Jason Brougham/University of Texas)

Artist's illustration of two Microraptor with iridescent plumage.

Three Microraptor illustration

Artist's illustration of three <i>Microraptor</i> with black iridescent plumage on a branch, and one in flight, about to land on a tree.

(Image credit: Jason Brougham/University of Texas)

Artist's illustration of three Microraptor with iridescent plumage.

Early Birds Had Dinosaur Feet

(Image credit: G. Mayr/Senckenberg)

Image of the skeleton with wing and tail feather impressions of the tenth specimen of the first known bird, Archaeopteryx. The new specimen provides important details on the feet and skull of these birds and strengthens the widely but not universally accepted argument that modern birds arose from dinosaurs.

Jennifer Welsh
Jennifer Welsh

Jennifer Welsh is a Connecticut-based science writer and editor and a regular contributor to Live Science. She also has several years of bench work in cancer research and anti-viral drug discovery under her belt. She has previously written for Science News, VerywellHealth, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, WIRED Science, and Business Insider.