Meet Caudipteryx zoui—a small, feathered dinosaur that strutted its stuff in what is now northeastern China about 125 million years ago. Roughly the size of a peacock, this speedy omnivore is one of the most famous examples of the dinosaur–bird connection. With short arms, a beaked snout, and a fan of feathers on its tail, Caudipteryx wasn’t built for flight—but it was definitely built to turn heads.

Fossils of Caudipteryx are so well-preserved that scientists can clearly see its feathers, showing us that not all dinos were scaly giants. Instead, this bird-like oviraptorosaur likely darted across the prehistoric landscape snapping up seeds, insects, and maybe even small lizards. Think of it as a prehistoric fashion icon—proof that some dinosaurs had just as much flair as they did ferocity.