Compsognathus: The Chicken-Sized Dinosaur

One of the smallest — and arguably one of the most fascinating dinosaurs was Compsognathus: a predator no bigger than a chicken, but every bit as fierce in its own way.

A Snapshot from the Jurassic

Compsognathus lived about 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period, roaming what is now Europe. Fossils discovered in Germany and France are remarkably well-preserved, giving scientists an unusually complete picture of its anatomy: a long tail, lightweight bones, and tiny, grasping hands with sharp claws.

Small but Deadly

Despite its size, roughly one meter long and only a few kilograms in weight, Compsognathus was a fast and agile hunter. Its long legs and slim build suggest it could sprint after prey. One famous fossil was even found with a small lizard preserved inside its stomach — a frozen record of its last meal.

In the modern era of cloning, Compsognathus was one of the first species successfully recreated by InGen. Modern specimens on the islands often display mottled green-and-yellow skin, though some show faint stripes or feather-like filaments — the result of genetic variation. Their eyes are quick, bright, and unnervingly intelligent. Their heads are small with sharp, pointed teeth suited for capturing small prey, and their large, forward-facing eyes give them excellent depth perception. The limbs are proportionally long, with grasping hands and sharp claws that aid in catching prey and climbing low shrubs or navigating through dense undergrowth.

Behavior

Compsognathus are opportunists. They scavenge carcasses, steal food from unattended camps, and chase anything smaller than themselves. They communicate in high-pitched clicks and trills, believed to coordinate pack movement — or warn others of danger. They are highly curious animals and will investigate new objects or disturbances in their environment, sometimes leading them to venture closer to humans than is safe. Despite their small size, they show remarkable teamwork within packs, using coordinated hunting strategies to overwhelm prey much larger than an individual. Studies suggest they may also exhibit simple problem-solving abilities, such as opening containers or navigating small obstacles to access food

Habitat

Thriving in Isla Nublar’s tropical jungles, Compsognathus can also be found along riverbanks and near abandoned facilities. They burrow or nest beneath fallen logs, sleeping huddled together for warmth — proof that even the smallest predators have adapted perfectly to a world built by giants. These agile dinosaurs are excellent climbers of low shrubs and can traverse tricky terrain with ease, allowing them to exploit food sources that larger predators cannot reach. Seasonal changes in the environment may influence their hunting and foraging behavior, pushing them to adapt quickly to shifting water levels, fallen fruit, or insect swarms.

Field Data Sheet

Scientific Name	Compsognathus longipes
Common Name	Compy
Length	~1.0 meter
Weight	2.5–3.5 kg
Diet	Carnivore (small vertebrates, insects, carrion)
Social Behavior	Highly social; forms small packs
Intelligence Level	Moderate (can learn simple commands)
Native Era	Late Jurassic (150 million years ago)
Recreated By	InGen, 1980s
Known Locations	Isla Nublar, Isla Sorna
Containment Class	Delta — Manageable but prone to escape
Threat Level	Low (individual) / Moderate (pack)
Behavioral Notes	Curious, opportunistic, easily distracted by movement or food

Serafina Moretti