The remains of Velociraptor were first discovered in the 1920s in Mongolia. It turned out that Velociraptor was similar to Dromaeosaurus in shape and size, only its head was more elongated and flat. But about the way of life of this predator became known only many years later, after a scientific expedition came across what was left of Velociraptor, which died in a duel with Protoceratops. Velociraptor means “nimble thief,” a fitting name for a small, nimble and cunning hunter that ran at least 60 km/h. However, although Velociraptor could reach such speed, but only at short distances, it still could not compete with ornithomimids. As in the case of other dromaeosaurs, we know almost nothing about the peculiarities of reproduction of Velociraptors and whether they laid eggs.

The main controversy about Velociraptor today is about what exactly it was. It was once depicted with green skin, but recently it has become fashionable to depict it with bright and fluffy feathers. But unfortunately, until certain fossils are found that will confirm one of these theories, we will remain in the dark.

It was first discovered in the Mongolian part of the Gobi Desert in 1922. In 1924, Henry Osborne, president of the museum, mentioned in a scientific article about the finds and called the described animal “Ovoraptor djadochtari.” He later changed the name to Velociraptor mongoliensis. In 1971, fossilized remains of Velociraptor and Protoceratops were discovered, and history tells us that they died in a deadly duel with each other.

When the moment was right, Velociraptor attacked. Jumping forward, it tried to grab the victim’s head or neck with its clawed fingers. If it succeeded, the victim could not escape, no matter how hard it tried. The wounds inflicted by the predator were fatal. After the death of the victim, standing on one leg and keeping the balance with the help of the large tail, Velociraptor ripped its belly with a sharp claw and easily began a meal.

Maximal length: 1.8 m.
Time: Late Cretaceous
Fossil record: Asia (Mongolia, China).