Sinosauropteryx
"Sinosauropteryx" was a small bipedal theropod, noted for its short arms, large first finger (thumbs), and long tail. The taxon includes some of the smallest known adult non-avian theropod specimens, with the holotype specimen measuring only in length, including the tail. However, this individual was relatively young. The longest known specimen reaches up to in length, with an estimated weight of .
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.