Photos: This Dinosaur's Feathers Shimmered with Iridescence

Rainbow dinosaur

During the Jurassic period, about 161 million years ago, a duck-size dinosaur dazzled its fellow paleo-beasts with its rainbow-colored, iridescent feathers.

This newly analyzed dinosaur, dubbed Caihong juji is the oldest dinosaur on record with iridescent feathers, according to a new study. [Read more about the iridescent dinosaur]

Amazing fossil

After analyzing the fossil (shown here), researchers named the dinosaur Caihong juji. The genus name comes from the Mandarin word "caihong," which means rainbow. The species name is made up of two Mandarin words: "ju" and "ji," which translate to "big" and crest."

In all, the dinosaur's scientific name translates to "rainbow with the big crest."

Fierce skull

The skull of C. juji looks similar to that of Velociraptor.

Melanosomes

Researchers figured out that C. juji had iridescent feathers by looking at the shape and structure of its melanosomes, the parts of cells that contain pigment.

Iridescent hunter

C. juji prepares to snatch its prey.

Sketching dinosaurs

Photos and drawings of the incredibly detailed C. juji fossil.

Back bones

These close-ups show the vertebral column of C. juji.

[Read more about the iridescent dinosaur]

Limb bones

A magnified view of the dinosaur's pectoral girdle and limbs.

Feather collage

The different feathers found on the dinosaur's body. Because C. juji couldn't fly, it likely used its feathers to keep warm and to attract mates.

Melanosome comparison

A comparison of melanosomes in modern iridescent birds.

Iridescent hummingbird

The dinosaur's melanosomes looked most like those of a modern hummingbird.

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