Oviraptor

Oviraptor got an unfair name! Its name means "egg thief" because it was first found near a nest of eggs. Scientists thought it was stealing the eggs. But later they discovered the eggs were its own! It was a caring parent.

Not an Egg Thief

When Oviraptor was discovered in 1924, it was found near a nest of eggs in Mongolia. Scientists assumed it was stealing another dinosaur's eggs. But years later, they found the same kind of eggs with Oviraptor babies inside. The original Oviraptor was actually sitting on its own nest!

A Unique Dinosaur

Oviraptor was about 6 feet long and weighed about 75 pounds. It had a short, parrot-like beak with no teeth. A tall crest sat on top of its head. It was covered in feathers and had long arms. Scientists think it ate a mix of plants, eggs, and small animals.

Fun Facts

• Oviraptor's name means "egg thief," but it was really a good parent protecting its own eggs.
• It sat on its nest with its arms spread out, just like a modern bird.
• Its beak was strong enough to crack open shellfish and nuts.

Did You Know?

Oviraptor is one of the best examples of a dinosaur that cared for its young. Fossils show it sitting on its nest with its arms spread over the eggs to keep them warm, just like a hen!