Struthiomimus were ostrich-like dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period of North American 95 - 65 million years ago. Similar to how an ostrich was built for speed, they were probably one of the fastest dinosaurs of the Cretaceous.
This three-toed, bipedal theropod dinosaur was adapted for quick, agile movements on extremely strong hind legs. The lower leg was longer than the upper leg, much like present-day swift animals like the cheetah and ostrich. Similar to today's birds, its long foot bones did not make contact with the ground. The forelimbs were also long and thin with three clawed fingers on each hand. Each finger was the same length.
It had a small toothless skull connected to an elongated and flexible neck. It is surmised a horny beak could be found at the jaws. Gastroliths (gizzard stones) have been found in the digestive tract of a Struthiomimus specimen, causing paleontologists to believe this dinosaur was an herbivore. However, the sharp claws on its fingers which could be used for catching and tearing apart prey, lead some to think it could have been an omnivorous or carnivorous eater.
Struthiomimus could grow up to 14 feet long and possibly run up to 50 miles per hour. Specimens of this dinosaur are only found in the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek and Lance Creek Formations of the United States and Canada.
Type: Struthiomimus Metatarsal Toe Bone
Age: Late Cretaceous (65 million years old)
Formation: Hell Creek Formation
Locality: Harding County, South Dakota
Size: 2.19 x .75 x .81 inches
Weight: .55 oz.