Microraptor (MIKE-row-rap-tor) (also called "small thief") was a genus of small, dromaeosaurid dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Period (Barremian stage), 130-125.5 million years ago.

Like Archaeopteryx, it demonstrates the close evolutionary relationship between birds and dinosaurs, as it had long pennaceous feathers on its limbs and tail. Microraptor was about 77cm (2.5ft) long from its nose to the tip of its tail. Its body had a thick covering of feathers, with a diamond-shaped fan on the end of the tail (possibly for added stability during flight). Some specimens demonstrate a raised feather "crest" on the head, similar to some modern birds, like the Pileated Woodpecker. Bands of dark and light present on some specimens may indicate color patterns present in life.

Microraptor had two sets of wings, on both its fore- and hind legs. Close studies of the Berlin specimen of the primitive bird Archaeopteryx show that it too, had flight feathers on its hind legs, albeit shortened. Many scientists now think that all basal avians had feathers on their hind legs and that they were used like the tail feathers of present birds, for maintaining balance and changing direction in the air.