Ornithomimus << `awr` nihth uh MY muhs >> was a dinosaur that resembled a modern ostrich. Its name, which means bird mimic, refers to the animal’s birdlike appearance.
Ornithomimus measured about 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) in length and stood about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) tall. It had a lightly built body with an elongated neck and tail; short arms; and long, strong hind legs. One of the fastest dinosaurs, Ornithomimus may have run as swiftly as an ostrich—30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 kilometers) per hour. It used its speed and keen eyesight to avoid predators (hunting animals). Its tail helped it balance during quick turns.
Ornithomimus had a toothless, beaklike mouth and probably ate eggs, insects, small animals, and fruit. The dinosaur used its long, claw-tipped fingers to uncover food on the ground or to dig for prey. It may also have stolen eggs from the nests of other dinosaurs.
Ornithomimus lived about 76 million to 65 million years ago, near the end of the Cretaceous Period. Scientists have found its remains in western North America and central Asia.
