From the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia, this tiny Theropod dinosaur was named by the paleontologist team Elzanowski & Wellnhofer. The full species name Archaeornithoides deinosauriscus means little dinosaur shaped like an ancient bird. But the discovery of Archaeornithoides in 1965 led to more questions than answers, and the truth about this tiny little has been a mystery for over 50 years.
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Some Quick Facts about the Archaeornithoides
| Name | Archaeornithoides (meaning “Shaped like an Ancient Bird”) |
| Type of dinosaur | Maniraptoran Theropod Dinosaur |
| Territory | Forests of Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia |
| Size | About the size of a Cockatoo bird, 19-24 inches long, 8-10 inches tall |
| Color | Feathered, unknown color |
| Interesting Characteristics | Long, slim bodies, flightless wings, and a long tail |
| Diet | Likely carnivore, possible omnivore |
| Major Threats | Predators, climate change and natural disasters |
Is the Archaeornithoides a Troodontid Dinosaur?
Paleontologists Andrzej Elzanowski and Peter Wellnhofer thought the Archaeornithoides might be a juvenile Troodontid dinosaur. They believed it was either a Byronosaurus or Saurornithoides. After more research, experts created a new taxon, and the holotype (specimen) of Archaeornithoides deinosauriscus was named the type species.
In 1993 Andrzej Elzanowski and Peter Wellnhofer claimed that Archaeornithoides was the new link and closest relative to modern-day birds. That theory remains debated but possible until 2009.
Gabe Bever and Mark Norell published their findings in the American Museum Novitates, disputing the claim that Archaeornithoides were closely related to birds. Archaeornithoides is now classified as a Maniraptoran Theropod Dinosaur.
What did the Archaeornithoides look like?
This dino was about the size of a Cockatoo bird, only 19-24 inches long and 8-10 inches tall. It probably had feathers on a long, skinny body with a long tail.
Still, without more fossils of Archaeornithoides, there’s not much scientists know about this tiny dinosaur. Discoveries happen every day, and there’s always a chance that the next breakthrough could happen in the next few years.
Until then, the single fragmented skull of Archaeornithoides has given us a little glimpse into the life of this tiny dinosaur shaped like an ancient bird.
What Parts of the Archaeornithoides did scientists discover?
Scientists discovered very few parts of the Archaeornithoides in 1965. Only a fragment of the skull of Archaeornithoides and the lower jaw was found. This includes the maxillae, palate bones, and dentaries.
With so little to go on, we don’t know much about the paleobiology, diet, development, and growth of the Archaeornithoides. What we do know is based on the similarities between Archaeornithoides and other Maniraptoran Theropods.
What did the Archaeornithoides eat?
Paleontologists believe Archaeornithoides ate small fish, lizards, and possibly plant material and insects.
Until more fossils appear, there are far more questions than answers about this tiny ancient bird-like dino.
Who Ate the Archaeornithoides?
Archaeornithoides were so tiny it was at risk of being eaten by anything as big as a weasel or bigger. The single specimen shows marks consistent with mammal teeth, so a Late Cretaceous mammal likely attacked Archaeornithoides.
There were quite a few carnivores in the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia. This included the Saurornithoides, Tarbosaurus, and even Velociraptor. The Archaeornithoides had no protection from these predators, which is probably why scientists haven’t found more fossils of Archaeornithoides.
What Dinosaurs lived with the Archaeornithoides?
Mongolia had many herbivorous dinosaurs that lived when the Archaeornithoides were alive. The Psittacosaurus, Protoceratops, and Pinacosaurus lived in the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia.
The Tarchia, Tylocephale, and Udanoceratops also roamed the forests of Mongolia when the Archaeornithoides lived.