Top 10 Smallest Dinosaurs Ever Discovered

Get ready to explore the world of miniature dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.

Compsognathus: The Small Speedster

Weighing only 6.6 pounds and measuring about 3 feet long, Compsognathus was one of the smallest known theropods, but don’t let its size fool you – it was fast and nimble!

Microraptor: The Feathered Flyer

Weighing only 2.2 pounds, Microraptor had feathers and even wing-like structures on its arms and legs, making it one of the first creatures to glide through the air.

Parvicursor: A Miniature Wonder

This tiny dinosaur, measuring just 8 inches in length, is believed to have been incredibly fast and light, zooming across the ancient landscapes of the Late Cretaceous period.

Tianyulong: The Dinosaur with Strange Feathers

At just 3 feet long, Tianyulong was a small herbivorous dinosaur, sporting feather-like filaments along its back that scientists believe may have been used for display or thermoregulation.

Hesperonychus: The Small Hunter

Hesperonychus was a tiny predator about the size of a modern-day crow. It weighed less than 1 kilogram, yet it was fast and agile, likely preying on insects and small animals.

Eoraptor: The Dawn of Dinosaurs

Eoraptor was one of the earliest dinosaurs, only about 3 feet long. It roamed the Earth around 231 million years ago and is often referred to as a "proto-dinosaur" in the evolutionary tree.

Anchiornis: A Feathered Gem

With a wingspan of just 2 feet, Anchiornis is considered one of the smallest dinosaurs with feathers, providing vital clues about the origins of birds. This small creature loved the trees!

Lesothosaurus: Small but Swift

Lesothosaurus was a small, fast-moving herbivore. Weighing around 4 pounds and only 3 feet long, it was one of the earliest dinosaurs to leave behind fossilized footprints.

Pararhabdodon: The Tiny Herbivore

Though small, Pararhabdodon lived during the Late Cretaceous period, and with its compact size of just 4 feet long, it roamed what would be modern-day Europe.

Saltopus: A Quick Predator

Measuring just 2 feet long, Saltopus was a small dinosaur that used its speed to catch small prey. Its small size and fast movements made it a skilled predator of its time.