Xiaotingia zhengi is a small, feathered dinosaur with avian features, including a lightweight, bird-like skeleton. It lived during the Late Jurassic period in what is now China. Notable for its blend of theropod and avian traits, it provides insight into the evolution of birds from dinosaurs.

Xiaotingia zhengi is a prehistoric species discovered in the Tiaojishan Formation, which is located in Liaoning Province, northeastern China. This region is known for its rich fossil deposits from the Late Jurassic period.

During the Late Jurassic period, the area that is now northeastern China was characterized by a warm, humid climate with abundant seasonal rainfall. The environment consisted of lush forests and a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Xiaotingia zhengi likely inhabited dense forested areas, utilizing both the ground and trees for foraging and shelter. Its morphology suggests it may have been capable of flight or gliding, similar to other early avialans, allowing it to exploit various ecological niches in its environment.