MICRORAPTOR

Five Microraptor coloring pages to explore

This category brings together 5 dinosaur coloring pages, all devoted to a single animal: the Microraptor. Instead of mixing several species, every page here focuses on this small feathered dinosaur, giving kids a chance to really get to know its shape before moving on to another animal. The 5 designs highlight what makes Microraptor stand out among dinosaur coloring pages: its slender body, long tail, and above all its four feathered limbs, a feature that's fairly rare among the dinosaurs featured on the site.

Who this selection is for

With 5 coloring pages built around one species, this category works especially well for:

• kids who just learned about Microraptor at school or in a documentary and want to draw it more than once;
• young dinosaur fans curious about feathered dinosaurs, a nice change from the usual favorites;
• parents and teachers looking for a short, printable set that's easy to hand out in multiple copies;
• children who enjoy coloring the same character several times to build confidence.

How to approach these drawings

Microraptor has a slim body and a long feathered tail, so it helps to go over the outlines carefully before adding color, especially around the feathered areas, which need more precision than a plain outline. Kids can pick any colors they like, since no fossil evidence tells us exactly what color Microraptor's feathers were, or take inspiration from the dark, iridescent tones illustrators often use for feathered dinosaurs.

Materials that work well

• Colored pencils for the small feather details and legs;
• Fine markers to reinforce the outlines after printing;
• Slightly thicker paper if the child goes over the same areas more than once;
• A printer at home or at school, since every page is free to print before coloring.

What kids can learn about Microraptor

Microraptor lived during the Early Cretaceous, around 120 million years ago, in what is now northeastern China. It's one of the smallest known dinosaurs, measuring only about 40 to 90 centimeters long, tail included. Its most striking feature is that it had feathers not just on its arms but also on its hind legs, forming four "wings" that likely let it glide from tree to tree. It was a carnivore, and some fossils have been found with the remains of fish and small animals in the stomach area. Coloring these 5 dinosaur coloring pages becomes a simple way to talk about why some dinosaurs had feathers, and what that tells us about the link between dinosaurs and birds.

Frequently asked questions

How many Microraptor coloring pages are in this category?

There are 5 coloring pages in total, all featuring Microraptor.

Could Microraptor actually fly?

It probably didn't fly like a modern bird, but its four feathered limbs likely let it glide between trees.

What age are these pages suitable for?

They work for younger children, who can keep the coloring simple, as well as older kids who want to take their time with the feather details.

Do the colors need to be accurate?

No. Microraptor's exact feather color isn't known for certain, so kids are free to choose their own colors.