A newly discovered dinosaur, Jian changmaensis, has been identified as a relative of the Velociraptor, thriving in the ancient lakeside ecosystems of northwestern China approximately 120 million years ago. This feathered dinosaur, comparable in size to a barn owl, likely glided like a flying squirrel to ambush its primary prey—birds. The remains of Jian were found in Gansu province, an area noted for its well-preserved bird fossils. Researchers uncovered evidence of broken bird bones, suggesting that Jian regurgitated pellets similar to modern owls. The dinosaur's anatomy, including long feathers on its forelimbs and hindlimbs, indicates it was adapted for both terrestrial and arboreal living. Jian is believed to have been an ambush predator, feeding on birds and possibly other small animals. This discovery adds to our understanding of the diverse ecological niches occupied by theropods during the Cretaceous Period, highlighting the close evolutionary relationship between birds and feathered dinosaurs like Jian and Microraptor.