Guide Note:Oviraptor is small theropod dinosaur from almost exclusively the Djadokhta Formation of Mongolia. It lived during the Santonian stage during the late Cretaceous Period. The first fossil found first was discovered on top a pile of Protoceratops eggs. It was discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews and in 1924 described by Henry Fairfield Osborn. The Oviraptor was of of the most bird like of non flying dinosaurs. Its rib cage had several features typical of birds. The Nomingia, a relative of the Oviraptor had fused vertebrae which a key to supporting birds tail feathers. It is Oviraptor is seen often in popular fiction, parly beacuse of its bird-like appearance and its egg thievery. Some examples off appearances in fiction is the book Dinotopia, the television series Dinosaur Planet and video games Dino Stalker and Dino Crisis 2.
Fast Facts:
- Pronounced: o-vih-RAP-tor
- Meaning: Egg Thief
- Diet: Carnivore
- Suborder: Theropoda
- Family: Oviraptoridae
- Height: 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Length: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Weight: 80 pounds (36 kg)
- Time: 70 to 80 million years ago
