In 1996, a discovery was made in China that changed the way we thought about dinosaurs. A well-preserved Sinosauropteryx fossil was found which confirmed that some dinosaurs were covered in feathers. It was concrete evidence of what some palaeontologists had suspected for years - that dinosaurs developed feathers and eventually evolved into birds. While at the time this was a disputed theory, it’s now widely accepted as true, and plenty of other dinosaur fossils have been found that confirm many dinosaurs had either feathers or a fluffy covering, like the soft down of a chick or a duckling. Here are five dinosaurs that had fluff or feathers.

1. Sinosauropteryx

The dinosaur that changed everything, Sinosauropteryx was a small, meat-eating creature covered in short, fuzzy, feather-like structures known as proto-feathers. Scientists have discovered that it had a reddish-brown back, a light belly and a striped tail like a red panda. It was about the size and weight of a cat - and cuter than we imagine most dinosaurs to be.

2. Microraptor

Microraptor was an Early Cretaceous dinosaur that was covered in feathers we would recognise on birds today. It was roughly the size and weight of a modern raven, but unlike today’s birds, it had four wings, with feathers on both its front and rear limbs. These were glossy black with a striking blue-green sheen, like the black feathers on a magpie. You can meet Microraptor at Dinosaur World Live, which is touring the UK and Ireland this autumn. Search ‘dinosaur event near me’ to view dates and venues.

3. Velociraptor

Standing at about 60cm tall, Velociraptor was like a large, stretched out bird of prey, which had jaws instead of a beak. Its body was covered in the same fluffy proto-feathers as Sinosauropteryx, while its forelimbs had longer, more bird-like feathers. Its tail would also have been feathered, but despite these characteristics, scientists don’t believe Velociraptor could fly.

4. Psittacosaurus

Psittacosaurus was another Early Cretaceous dinosaur that sported feathers. Unlike the dinosaurs listed above, however, it was mostly scaly with only a few bristle-like feathers that grew on its tail. Scientists think these were used for communication or display, as Psittacosaurus certainly couldn’t fly.

5. Dilong

Discovered in China, Dilong was a small, early relative of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex, being only around 1.6 metres long. This meat-eater was the first of its kind to be found with downy proto-feathers, which were particularly dense around its jaw and tail. These didn’t enable it to fly, but were a way for the dinosaur to stay warm in cooler temperatures.

Meet some dinosaur friends

Marvel at the beautiful Microraptor and other dinosaurs at Dinosaur World Live, an Olivier Award-winning dinosaur experience aimed at kids aged three and up. Introducing the prehistoric world with stunning, life-like puppetry and fun facts, this dinosaur family show is sure to be a hit with your budding palaeontologists. View UK and Ireland tour dates and venues online and book your tickets before they go extinct!