Citipati osmolskae is a species of theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Oviraptoridae, which lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 to 70 million years ago. Its fossils have been found in the Djadokhta Formation, in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. The name Citipati comes from a Tibetan deity, while the specific epithet "osmolskae" honors Polish paleontologist Halszka Osmólska for her contributions to the study of Asian dinosaurs.
Citipati osmolskae is known primarily for its fossilized nests and embryos, providing unprecedented insight into dinosaur reproduction and parental behavior. One of the most iconic finds is that of a fossilized adult specimen in a position that suggests it was incubating its eggs, similar to how modern birds do, offering strong evidence of parental care in oviraptorosaurs.
This dinosaur was medium-sized, with an estimated length of about 3 meters. Its skull was short and deep, with a distinctive crest on top, similar to that of some modern cassowaries. It had a toothless beak adapted for an omnivorous diet, possibly including plants, small animals, and eggs. The robust jaws and specialized beak suggest that Citipati osmolskae may have had a varied diet.
Citipati's forelimbs were long and powerful, with three clawed fingers that it probably used for manipulating objects, digging, and possibly for defense. Its hind legs were strong and adapted for bipedal locomotion, allowing it to move quickly.
The discovery of Citipati osmolskae has been fundamental to better understand the evolution of birds and their reproductive behavior. Fossil nests and the posture of adults on eggs have provided a crucial connection between dinosaurs and modern birds, supporting the theory that many avian behaviors, such as nest guarding, have deep origins in theropod dinosaurs.
Approximate measurements of the Citipati:
Citipati osmolskae is known primarily for its fossilized nests and embryos, providing unprecedented insight into dinosaur reproduction and parental behavior. One of the most iconic finds is that of a fossilized adult specimen in a position that suggests it was incubating its eggs, similar to how modern birds do, offering strong evidence of parental care in oviraptorosaurs.
This dinosaur was medium-sized, with an estimated length of about 3 meters. Its skull was short and deep, with a distinctive crest on top, similar to that of some modern cassowaries. It had a toothless beak adapted for an omnivorous diet, possibly including plants, small animals, and eggs. The robust jaws and specialized beak suggest that Citipati osmolskae may have had a varied diet.
Citipati's forelimbs were long and powerful, with three clawed fingers that it probably used for manipulating objects, digging, and possibly for defense. Its hind legs were strong and adapted for bipedal locomotion, allowing it to move quickly.
The discovery of Citipati osmolskae has been fundamental to better understand the evolution of birds and their reproductive behavior. Fossil nests and the posture of adults on eggs have provided a crucial connection between dinosaurs and modern birds, supporting the theory that many avian behaviors, such as nest guarding, have deep origins in theropod dinosaurs.
Approximate measurements of the Citipati:
- Complete 1:35 Scale
- Length 71mm
- Height 44mm
- Snout-tail length 83 mm
- Complete 1:20 Scale
- Length 123mm
- Height 76mm
- Snout-tail length 145mm
