The specimen is unique: unlike most other dromaeosaurs, it had two sickle claws on each foot, not just one.[1] It had a reduced and presumably nonfunctional third finger, consisting of only one rudimentary phalanx.[1][2]
The specimen was discovered in 2010. Balaur lived on a large prehistoric island called Hateg Island. Seventy million years ago, sea levels were much higher than they are today. Europe was an archipelago of islands.[3]
Possibly because it was relatively isolated from other dinosaurs, Balaur developed unique features. It was a small 1.8–2.1 metres (5.9–6.9 ft).[1] This is an example of island dwarfism.
There is one known species, Balaur bondoc. Balaur was a velociraptorine. Studies have shown that it is most closely related to the famous Asian dromaeosaurid Velociraptor.
