All dinosaurs possessed dull, camouflage-oriented colouring in muted tones like grey, brown, and green.
Paleontologists using melanin and pigment analysis on fossilized feathers and skin have revealed a surprisingly diverse dinosaur palette. Some theropods like T. rex likely displayed reddish-brown tones, while others exhibited bold patterns and stripes. Comparisons with modern birds suggest many dinosaurs had vibrant colours including oranges, blues, and iridescent plumage for display and signaling. The widespread assumption of dull colouring reflected 20th-century artistic conventions rather than evidence. Recent reconstructions based on chemistry show dinosaurs were likely a rainbow of colours adapted for camouflage, thermoregulation, and social signaling.