Jian

Jian is one of the biggest microraptor dinosaurs ever found. Its upper arm bone is about 10 centimetres (4 inches) long.2

Jian had a very long coracoid bone in its shoulder, longer compared to its arm than in any other microraptor.1

The only fossil of Jian found so far is an arm and shoulder. No other bones have been discovered yet.1

Jian lived alongside hundreds of early birds called Gansus yumenensis. Its fossils were found in the same rock layer as many bird skeletons.1

Scientists think Jian may have been the predator that left behind crushed bird bones at the site, similar to pellets coughed up by modern owls.2

Jian probably could not fly like a bird, but it could glide using its four feathered limbs, much like a flying squirrel.2