New Species of Birdlike Dinosaur Jian changmaensis Discovered in China

Key facts

• Scientists discovered a 120-million-year-old fossil of a birdlike dinosaur, named Jian changmaensis, in the Changma Basin of Gansu province, China.
• The specimen belongs to a group of small feathered predators known as microraptors.
• Jian changmaensis is the only confirmed microraptor specimen found outside northeastern China, expanding the known geographical range of the group.
• The dinosaur possessed four wings, with feathers on both forelimbs and hind legs, which allowed it to glide between trees.
• The research findings regarding this specimen were published in the journal Annals of Carnegie Museum.