Anatomy: Compsognathus' bones were hollow. Its long tail acted as a counterbalance and added to stability during fast turns. Compsognathus was from 28 inches-4.6 feet long (0.7-1.4 m), about 6.5 pounds (3 kg) and was about the size of a chicken. Its femur (thigh bone) was only 4. 3 inches (11 cm) long.

Fossils and Name: Compsognathus was first discovered by Dr. Oberndorfer in limestone deposits in the southern Germany in the late 1850's. This dinosaur was named by Johann A. Wagner in 1859. Only two Compsognathus fossils have been found; one in Germany, another in France.