FAMILY ORNITHOMIMIDAEThe so-called "bird mimics" were a specialized offshoot of the coelurosaurs. About the same height and proportions as a modern ostrich, they seem to have had a similar lifestyle to that bird, hence the popular name of the group -— "ost¬ rich dinosaurs." They were widespread in North America and East Asia in MidCretaceous times, but seem to have died out before the end of that period.All were large, long-legged sprinters. They probably traveled the open plains in groups, looking after their young while on the move, as do modern flight¬ less birds.Unlike most other dinosaurs, ornithomimids had no teeth. In place of the teeth, there was a horny, birdlike beak, which was used to snap up small animals and insects. Other special features were exceptionally large eyes and big brains. Both features would have made them well-coordinated, efficient and intelli¬ gent hunters.
Dinosaur: Aepyornithomimus tugrikinensis Length*: 2.4 m 7.9 ft
Dinosaur: Dromiceiomimus samueli Length*: 4 m 13.1 ft
Dinosaur: Gallimimus bullatus Length*: 6 m 19.7 ft
Dinosaur: Struthiomimus altus Length*: 4.5 m 14.8 ft
Dinosaur: Pelecanimimus polydon Length*: 1.9 m 6.2 ft
Dinosaur: Harpymimus okladnikovi Length*: 4.5 m 14.8 ft
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The Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals
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