Jinfengopteryx

Phylogeny: Dinosauria > Saurischia > Theropoda > Neotheropoda > Tetanurae > Avetheropoda > Coelurosauria > Maniraptora > Pennaraptora > Paraves > Troodontidae

Overview: The northeast of China is well known for its exquisitely preserved dinosaur fossils, with a large number of them including impressions of feathers or soft tissue around the skeleton. Famous geological formations in the area include the Yixian and Tiaojishan. Perhaps not as well known is the Huajiying Formation, from which Jinfengopteryx was unearthed, as well as a decent number of other Early Cretaceous-aged animals, including some true birds. Jinfengopteryx itself was a relative of birds, belonging to the clade Paraves. Some earlier studies placed it close to Archaeopteryx from Europe, even within the family Archaeopterygidae, but most modern studies classify Jinfengopteryx as a more basal paravian. It was likely a member of the family Troodontidae, possibly representing a subfamily called the Jinfengopteryginae, though it’s debated what members would belong to it.

Troodontids tended to be quite birdlike in their overall anatomy. Most people would likely mistake Jinfengopteryx for a bird, fossil evidence showing that most of its body was covered in feathers. It did have some distinctly non-avian traits, however. Jinfengopteryx retained a long, albeit thin tail, a distinct set of clawed fingers, and toothed jaws. Many troodontids show signs of omnivory based on their tooth morphology. Some rounded structures in the gut region of the holotype are thought to be traces of seeds, suggesting Jinfengopteryx itself was an omnivore. Alternatively, these may’ve been developing eggs, at least according to some studies. Even if it did consume seeds, we can be fairly certain Jinfengopteryx also consumed small vertebrates and insects as well. There is still debate, but some recent anatomical studies suggest this animal may’ve been capable of flight.