Compsognathus is believed by many scientists to be an early relative of Archaeopteryx, often considered to be the first bird.

Compsognathus, first found in Germany, was about the size of a house cat. It had long back legs, short arms and a long tail for balancing while running. Apparently Compsognathus liked to eat lizards, because a lizard skeleton was found in the abdominal cavity of a Compsognathus fossil.

Special Note: In light of the new finds in China, it is now widely believed that Compsognathus was covered with fine down-like feathers.