Xu Xing, Mark Norell, and colleagues authored the study describing them, finding the specimens to represent a new taxon, for which was chosen the binomial Sinovenator changii.

The generic name was derived from the Latin word Sinae, for China, and Venator, or "hunter".

Meemann Chang is honoured by the species name for her contributions to the study of the Jehol Fauna.

[citation needed] The type specimen or holotype of Sinovenator changii is IVPP 12615, a partial skull and disarticulated skeleton.

An additional specimen was by the original publication scientifically described and assigned as the paratype of the species: an incomplete but articulated postcranial skeleton, numbered IVPP 12583.

Troodontids have sickle-claws and raptorial hands, and some of the highest non-avian encephalization quotients, meaning they were behaviourally advanced and had keen senses.

The third metatarsal is pinched at the top but still visible at the upper front of the metatarsus, conforming to the subarctometatarsal condition.

This proves that the orientation to the front with later troodontids, is a reversal and not a trait directly inherited from older theropods that also possess a forward pointing pubic bone.

This indicates that the similar bulla with the Ornithomimosauria presents a case of parallel evolution and is not a proof for a Bullatosauria, an earlier presumed close relationship between troodontids and ornithomimosaurs.

[citation needed] Originally, the basal position of Sinovenator seemed to be corroborated by a very high age, the fossils being assumed to date from the Hauterivian.

[citation needed] In 2017, a study by Shen et al., describing the genus Daliansaurus found Sinovenator to form a monophyletic group with other troodontids from the Yixian Formation, named Sinovenatorinae.

Jinfengopteryx Mei Sinovenator Daliansaurus Sinusonasus Sinornithoides Troodon Zanabazar Saurornithoides A 2018 study by Yin et al. instead found the Chinese troodontids to form an intermediate grade:[4] Avialae Archaeopteryx Wellnhoferia Xiaotingia Anchiornis Dromaeosauridae Mei Sinovenator Sinusonasus