1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs

Quetzalcoatlus

By , About.com Guide

Quetzalcoatlus (Nobu Tamura)

Name:

Quetzalcoatlus (named after the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl); pronounced KWET-zal-co-AT-lus

Habitat:

Skies of North America

Historical Period:

Late Cretaceous (80-65 million years ago)

Size and Weight:

Wingspan of 30 feet and 200 pounds

Diet:

Fish and meat

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Large size; narrow wings; long, pointed beak

About Quetzalcoatlus:

Probably the largest creature ever to take to the air, Quetzalcoatlus did credit to the Aztec god after which it was named. The most impressive species of this pterosaur attained wingspans of 30 feet, and must have been greatly feared by terrestrial critters when they soared down from the sky for food. (However, there has lately been some research to the effect that Quetzalcoatlus may have been exclusively landbound, based on analysis of its anatomical features.) See a gallery of Quetzalcoatlus pictures

Paleontologists are still trying to piece together exactly how Quetzalcoatlus lived. It's generally agreed that (if it indeed flew) it glided rather than flapped its wings, and that it walked on all fours when foraging on land. What's less certain is how it fed; Quetzalcoatlus may have scavenged carrion like a vulture, gobbled down fish like a stork, or plucked out marine creatures as it skimmed close to the water.

Explore Dinosaurs

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs
  4. Types of Dinosaurs
  5. Avian Reptiles
  6. Quetzalcoatlus - Dinosaur Quetzalcoatlus Characteristics, Behavior and Habitat>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.