Sinosauropteryx (meaning "Chinese reptilian wing", ) is a
compsognathid dinosaur. Described in 1996, it was the first dinosaur taxon outside of
Avialae (birds and their immediate relatives) to be found with evidence of
feathers. It was covered with a coat of very simple
filament-like feathers. Structures that indicate colouration have also been preserved in some of its feathers, which makes
Sinosauropteryx the first non-avialian dinosaurs where colouration has been determined. The colouration includes a reddish and light banded tail. Some contention has arisen with an alternative interpretation of the filamentous impression as remains of
collagen fibres, but this has not been widely accepted.