Rare 99-million-year-old dinosaur tail with feathers found preserved in amber

The underside of the preserved tail shows lighter feathers, signs of decay, and a nearby ant. (Image: Royal Saskatchewan Museum/ RSM/ R.C. McKellar)

It began with what appeared to be a rather gemlike thing. But within that amber lay a tale from 99 million years past. What appeared to be a fragment of plant was, in reality, a dinosaur's feathered tail—trapped forever in golden resin.

A Hidden Treasure from Myanmar's Fossil-Rich Region

Palaeontologist Lida Xing noticed the potential of the specimen first. It was sold as amber containing ancient plant material. However, when inspected more closely, something much more thrilling was discovered. The amber was from Kachin State, Myanmar—a place famous for Cretaceous-era fossils.

High-tech imaging revealed eight small vertebrae, still attached. Surrounding them were soft feathers, their beauty and three-dimensional detail preserved. The tail was from a young dinosaur from the group called the coelurosaurs. Ryan McKellar, study co-author, confirmed the validity of the discovery. The feathers and bone were not merely attached to each other but frozen in place as part of a single animal.

Unusual Glimpse into Feather Shape and Hue

The clarity of the amber permitted scientists to observe microscopic characteristics. The feathers had a pattern not designed for use in flight but in display. Scientists expect the feathers were chestnut brown on the back and pale on the underside. Even more exciting, iron residues suggested haemoglobin near the bones.

It is unusual to find bone, skin and feathers in a single sample. Amber tends to trap small insects or vegetation, not remains of larger creatures. So this tale is a unique glimpse into the past. McKellar said that it was the first time dinosaur material had been found in amber.

The discovery proves that dinosaurs other than birds also had feathers. It assists in connecting dinosaurs to today's birds in a colourful, pictorial manner. It also provides scientists with tips on feather shape, growth, and colour. The unusual fossil demonstrates how even the tiniest discovery tells a large story.