Pteranodon

Pteranodon was a flying reptile that lived alongside the dinosaurs. It was not actually a dinosaur itself. It soared through the skies about 86 million years ago. Pteranodon had a large crest on the back of its head.

Giant Wings

Pteranodon had a wingspan of about 23 feet. That is wider than many small airplanes! Despite its huge wings, it only weighed about 55 pounds. Its bones were hollow and lightweight, just like bird bones. This helped it stay in the air.

Life in the Sky

Pteranodon probably spent most of its time soaring over oceans. It ate fish by swooping down and scooping them up. It had no teeth, just a long beak. Its big head crest may have helped it steer while flying. Males had bigger crests than females.

Fun Facts

• Pteranodon had no teeth at all — its name means "wing without teeth."
• Its bones were hollow and as thin as a credit card.
• Pteranodon could glide for hundreds of miles without flapping its wings.

Did You Know?

Pteranodon was not a dinosaur! It was a flying reptile called a pterosaur. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates (animals with backbones) to fly, millions of years before birds evolved.