Sinosauropteryx
"Sinosauropteryx" was a small theropod with an unusually long tail and short arms. The longest known specimen reaches up to in length, with an estimated weight of It was a close relative of the similar but older genus "Compsognathus", both genera belonging to the family Compsognathidae. Only one species of "Sinosauropteryx" has been named: "S. prima", meaning "first" in reference to its status as the first feathered non-avialian dinosaur species discovered. Three specimens have been described. The third specimen previously assigned to this genus represents either a second, as-yet unnamed species or a distinct, related genus.
Dinosaur coloration
In 2010 Dr. Mike Benton from the University of Bristol analyzed the remains of "Sinosauropteryx", "Confuciusornis", "Caudipteryx", and "Sinornithosaurus" from the Yixian and also discovered melanosomes. It was determined that "Sinosauropteryx" had orange feathers and that its tail was striped. Given the feathers were brightly colored and ill-suited for flight it is hypothesized that this species used its feathers for display. A 2017 study also reported that the body coloration of "Sinosauropteryx" extended to the face, creating a raccoon-like "mask" around the eyes.