This life-size reconstruction shows Nemicolopterus crypticus—a small flying reptile that was no bigger than a modern-day sparrow.

Scientists recently discovered a near-complete skeleton of N. crypticus in China's Liaoning Province.

An analysis found that the skeleton was not an immature animal, but instead a new species of pterosaur—one of the smallest known.

The little birdlike creature, with a wingspan of about 10 inches (25 centimeters), had strangely curved feet that suggested it spent most of its life in trees.

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