Thanks to Jurassic Park, many people picture velociraptors as man-sized, scaly predators with razor-sharp claws. But in reality, they were about the size of a turkey and covered in feathers!
Discovered in Mongolia in 1923, true velociraptors were about 6.5 feet long, 1.6 feet tall, and weighed around 30 pounds. Despite their size, they were fast, agile, and had a sickle-shaped claw used to pin prey. Evidence also suggests they were smart hunters, possibly even working in groups.
Their birdlike features and hollow bones have helped scientists draw connections between dinosaurs and modern birds. In fact, many paleontologists now consider birds to be direct descendants of these ancient raptors. So next time you see a pigeon strutting on the sidewalk, remember—it’s walking in a raptor’s footsteps!
