Newly Discovered Dinosaur Glided Like a Flying Squirrel

Paleontologists in northwestern China have discovered fossils of a new species of small feathered dinosaur that lived around 120 million years ago.

Named Jian changmaensis, the predator was a close relative of the velociraptor, according to researchers. Roughly the size of a modern owl, it may have been capable of gliding between trees in a manner similar to a flying squirrel.

Scientists believe Jian was covered in feathers on both its forelimbs and hind limbs and likely hunted by ambush near lakes during the Cretaceous period.

The area was home to large bird colonies, which researchers suspect formed an important part of the dinosaur’s diet.

The fossils were found in Gansu Province at a site known for its exceptionally well-preserved bird remains. Scientists believe Jian may have regurgitated indigestible material after feeding, much like modern owls.

The discovery is supported by fossilized pellets containing crushed bird bones found at the site.

Jian belongs to the dromaeosaurs, a group of predatory dinosaurs commonly known as “raptors”. Researchers say it was evolutionarily close to some of the earliest birds, including the famous Archaeopteryx.

(reuters, max)