Key Information
Oviraptor
| Species | Oviraptor philoceratops |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Height | 2 ft |
| Length | 5 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 73 to 88 lb |
| Timescale | Late Cretaceous |
| Classification | Saurischia > Theropoda > Oviraptoridae |
| Similar Species | Citipati, Rinchenia, Conchoraptor |
Learning Point
- Oviratpor was first thought to be a dinosaur that stole eggs from other dinosaur nests, partly because it was found in a nest of eggs.
- Later analysis of the nest suggested it may have been protecting its own nest when it died, perhaps from a sandstorm.
Project
- Draw an oviraptor sat on its nest of eggs.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | Asia |
Fun Facts
- The name Oviraptor comes from Latin words meaning “Egg Thief”.
- There are no complete fossils of the Oviraptor, and some that were thought to be, have since been identified as unique species.
- The first fossil recovered was likely killed by a sandstorm while sat on its nest.
- Other oviraptorids have been found sitting on nests like a bird does, and that has led to suggestions they might have been feathered, like ostriches and other flightless birds today.
- They were most likely omnivores, as their mouth design is capable of eating many different foods.
Past Lessons
| 18 | July 29, 2022 | (North America) |
| 114 | October 12, 2023 | (International) |
| 200 | August 18, 2025 | (North America) |