Quetzalcoatlus
ExploreAncient
Quetzalcoatlus
Quetzalcoatlus northropi
Quetzalcoatlus was a pterosaur— a flying reptile— that soared over coastlines and lakes using long wings.
Habitat: Mesozoic coastlines and lakes
Appearance
The Quetzalcoatlus has an unbelievably long neck and beak, atop a relatively small body compared to its wings. Its colossal leathery wings, likely in shades of brown or grey, made it the largest creature to ever fly, creating a distinctive silhouette unlike any modern bird.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
AncientRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its immense size, Quetzalcoatlus weighed less than a horse, thanks to its lightweight bones.
Its name means "feathered serpent" in Aztec, though it was a reptile and had no feathers!
Its wingspan could stretch wider than a small airplane, making it the largest flying animal ever!
Scientists believe it may have walked on all fours on the ground, like a giant, giraffe-sized bat.
Special abilities
Ability
Long-necked Forager
Quetzalcoatlus has a very long, stiff neck and pointed beak that helps them snatch small prey from the ground or water.
Ability
Lightweight Master
Quetzalcoatlus has hollow bones and an advanced air-sac system that helps them stay light enough for powered flight.
Ability
Powerful Flyer
Quetzalcoatlus has strong muscles attached to its breastbone that help them launch into the air with powerful wing beats.
Measurements & details
- Estimated Length
- 3-4 m
- Estimated Weight
- 70-250 kg
- Era
- Cretaceous Period (Late Mesozoic Era)
- Extinct Millions Years Ago
- 66
Diet & Feeding
This giant ate a varied diet of small animals and scavenged carrion from the land.
Primary Foods
- Fish
- Small dinosaurs
- Carrion
- Lizards
- Turtles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Alamosaurus
Alamosaurus sanjuanensis
Scavenged carcasses of these giant sauropods.
hunts
Champsosaurus
Champsosaurus natator
Preyed on fish and small aquatic reptiles.
eaten by
Deinosuchus
Deinosuchus hatcheri
Juvenile Quetzalcoatlus may have been prey for giant crocodiles.
Traits
Ancient
Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
Artifact
An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Also known as
Quetzal
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Quetzalcoatlus?
3-4 m
How much does Quetzalcoatlus weigh?
70-250 kg
What does Quetzalcoatlus eat?
This giant ate a varied diet of small animals and scavenged carrion from the land.
Where is Quetzalcoatlus usually found?
Mesozoic coastlines and lakes
How does Quetzalcoatlus hunt?
Foraging
What geologic era did Quetzalcoatlus live in?
Cretaceous Period (Late Mesozoic Era)
When did Quetzalcoatlus go extinct?
66
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