Story perspectives

New Feathered Dinosaur Jian Reveals Owl-Size Wingspan

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified a new feathered dromaeosaur species, Jian changmaensis, in the Changma Basin of Gansu province, China.
The fossil includes a four-inch upper-arm bone that suggests a four-foot wingspan comparable to a barn owl.
Scientists propose the carnivorous Jian may have produced the pellet-like bird-bone clusters found at the site.
The find adds a non-avian dinosaur to a site known for over a hundred bird fossils, informing early bird ecosystem evolution.

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Story summary

Researchers identified a new feathered dromaeosaur species, Jian changmaensis, in the Changma Basin of Gansu province, China.
The fossil includes a four-inch upper-arm bone that suggests a four-foot wingspan comparable to a barn owl.
Scientists propose the carnivorous Jian may have produced the pellet-like bird-bone clusters found at the site.
The find adds a non-avian dinosaur to a site known for over a hundred bird fossils, informing early bird ecosystem evolution.