Serikornis Facts
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 0.3m |
| Length | 0.6m |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | China |

| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 0.3m |
| Length | 0.6m |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | China |
Serikornis was a small, feathered theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 161.5 million years ago. This crow-sized creature inhabited the ancient forests of what is now Liaoning Province in northeastern China. Its name, meaning 'silky bird', reflects the remarkable preservation of its feathers in the fossil record.
This diminutive theropod measured about 60 centimetres in length and stood roughly 30 centimetres tall at the hip, weighing approximately 500 grams. Serikornis possessed long, powerful hind legs adapted for running and jumping through the forest undergrowth. Its arms were relatively short compared to its body, ending in clawed hands that would have been useful for grasping prey and climbing.
As a carnivore, Serikornis likely hunted small animals such as insects, early mammals, and possibly small reptiles. Its sharp teeth and agile build suggest it was an active predator, darting through the vegetation in pursuit of quick-moving prey. The creature's feathers were not capable of powered flight, but may have been used for display, insulation, or gliding between trees.
The taxonomic status of Serikornis remains debated amongst palaeontologists. Some researchers suggest it may actually be the same species as the closely related Anchiornis, which would make Serikornis a junior synonym. This ongoing scientific discussion highlights the challenges of classifying these early feathered dinosaurs from the rich fossil beds of China.
Serikornis was covered in primitive feathers that gave it a bird-like appearance, though it retained distinctly dinosaurian features like a long bony tail and toothed jaws. Its proportionally long legs and compact body distinguished it from its close relatives.
Serikornis was likely an active, ground-dwelling predator that spent much of its time foraging in the forest undergrowth. Its feathers may have been used for temperature regulation and possibly visual displays to communicate with other members of its species.
Serikornis was first described by Lefevre et al. in 2017. The original fossils were discovered at Tiaojishan Formation, Liaoning, China.