Dinosaurs & Prehistory - Dinosaurs - Microraptor - Dinosaur anatomy - Cretaceous
Why is Microraptor often referred to as a “four-winged dinosaur”?
Correct!
Microraptor was a small feathered dromaeosaur from the Early Cretaceous of China and a relative of Velociraptor. What was special about him were pronounced feathers not only on his front limbs, but also on his hind legs. This created four wing-like surfaces. The Natural History Museum describes Microraptor as a dinosaur with wings on its legs and arms. The long hind limb feathers were not just a guess: fossils contain real flight feathers on the fore and hind limbs. A study from 2025 also confirms that Microraptor had exceptionally long feathers on its legs in relation to its body size. Whether and how well Microraptor was able to fly under its own power is still being investigated. However, aerodynamic models show that its four feathered limbs may have played an important role in gliding. And we even know something about its appearance: Studies of fossil pigment structures suggest that at least one Microraptor had shimmering black, iridescent feathering similar to that of a raven.
Microraptor sported long flight feathers on its arms and hind legs. This gave it four wing-like surfaces, although its exact method of flight is still being researched.
