Citipati osmolskae

† A Late Cretaceous oviraptorid from the Djadokhta Formation of Mongolia, Citipati osmolskae is named after the Tibetan lord of the charnel ground and palaeontologist Halszka Osmólska. Famous for spectacular specimens preserved brooding over eggs in a bird-like posture, it provides compelling evidence for avian-style nesting behaviour in non-avian dinosaurs.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore

Citipati osmolskae had a varied diet that included both plants and animals. Omnivorous dinosaurs were versatile feeders, able to exploit multiple food sources, which gave them an advantage in changing environments.

Time Period

Cretaceous Late Mesozoic Era

Citipati osmolskae lived during the Cretaceous Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 100.5 to 66.0 million years ago.

The final age of dinosaurs, featuring iconic species like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptor. Dinosaurs reached their peak diversity before the catastrophic asteroid impact at the Chicxulub crater ended the Mesozoic Era.