Saurornitholestes
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Dromaeosauridae (family not firmly confirmed)
Found in Alberta, Canada, this agile and powerful predator had grasping hands with sharp claws, and perhaps a large switch-blade-like second-toe claw.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Saurornitholestes mean?
The name Saurornitholestes means “Lizard Bird-Robber”. It is pronounced SAWR-or-NITH-uh-les-teez.
When did Saurornitholestes live?
Saurornitholestes lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Saurornitholestes a carnivore or a herbivore?
Saurornitholestes was a carnivore.
How big was Saurornitholestes?
Saurornitholestes was about 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, around 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Dromaeosauridae family.
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