Photo: Illustration by Lewis LaRosa, colorized by Jão Canola
Chinese scientists have discovered the partial remains of a feathered dinosaur with four wing-like limbs, shedding light on the early evolution of bird-like predators.
The fossil, found in northwestern China’s Gansu Province, belongs to a previously unknown species named Jianchangmaensis. It was a small, bird-like dinosaur closely related to velociraptors and part of the microraptor group.
Researchers say the animal likely lived in forested environments around 120–124 million years ago and may have moved between trees using its feathered limbs, possibly gliding or leaping in a manner similar to a flying squirrel. Its extensive feathering on both forelimbs and hindlimbs gave it a “four-winged” appearance, earning it the nickname “four-winged dragon.”
Only partial remains were recovered — including elements of the left shoulder and forelimb — but they were sufficient to confirm it as a new species. The fossils were found in three dimensions, unlike many flattened microraptor specimens discovered in the same region.
Scientists believe the Changma Basin was a rich ecosystem filled with ancient birds, fish, and turtles, and may have played a key role in preserving rare evolutionary links between non-avian dinosaurs and early birds.
