Overview
- A nearly complete juvenile microraptorine named Norellraptor barsboldi was described in a Nature Communications paper published on Sept. 29, 2026, from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in Liaoning, China.
- The specimen is about 57 cm long, died at roughly three years of age, and preserves long feathers on both forelimbs and hindlimbs consistent with a four‑winged body plan.
- Researchers compared 194 anatomical changes along the microraptorine branch and found roughly 30% overlap with changes on the bird lineage, and the order in which traits appeared differs between the two groups.
- Anatomical details such as a well‑ossified sternum and a relatively long ulna suggest microraptorines could generate controlled downstrokes, but experts say the evidence best fits a mix of gliding and limited flapping rather than unequivocal powered flight.
- Authors and commentators say the study strengthens the case for convergent evolution of flight-related traits, highlights distinct selective pressures on each lineage, and calls for more fossils and biomechanical work to settle functional and phylogenetic questions.