Compsognathus

Compsognathus was one of the smallest dinosaurs ever discovered. It was only about the size of a chicken! It lived about 150 million years ago in Europe. For a long time, it was thought to be the smallest dinosaur known.

Tiny but Quick

Compsognathus was only about 3 feet long, including its tail. It weighed just about 6 pounds. Its long legs made it a very fast runner. Scientists think it could run up to 40 miles per hour. That makes it one of the fastest dinosaurs for its size.

A Little Hunter

Compsognathus ate small animals like lizards and insects. One fossil was found with a lizard still inside its stomach! It had small, sharp teeth and two-fingered hands. It lived near lagoons and beaches in what is now Germany and France.

Fun Facts

• One fossil was found with a whole lizard preserved inside its belly.
• Compsognathus means "elegant jaw" because of its delicate skull.
• It may have been covered in simple feathers, though none have been found on its fossils.

Did You Know?

For over 100 years, Compsognathus held the record as the smallest known dinosaur. Today we know of even tinier dinosaurs, like Microraptor!