THE GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CHINA
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Birds of a Feather?
China's mysterious 'feathered dinosaurs' fly into Europe
Caudipteryx has enlarged, more bird-like,
feathers on its hands and tail tip than Sinosauropteryx.
They may have played a role in courtship, but might also have enhanced
mobility and stability in a two-legged runner. It's certainly clear
that Caudipteryx couldn't fly: its arms were far too short
and its flight feathers far too small to support its body weight.
Moreover, the "flight" feathers in Caudipteryx were
like those of today's non-flying birds, with straight shafts and symmetrical
vanes.
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