Overview
Name meaning: Named after the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, the “Feathered serpent”
Time Period: Maastrichtian ( Late Cretaceous )
Locations:Texas-Javelina Formation/Big Bend National Park
Taxonomy: Pterosauria-Pterodactyloidia-Azhdarchidae
Subspecies: Q. Northropi Q.lawsoni
Characteristics
Its popular species was named after Northropi, founder of an airline production company that produced military stealth bombers. Douglas A. Lawson, Quetzalcoatlus discoverer knew he had found something special for sure. Having a wingspan of around 30 ft and, when standing on the ground matching the height of a Giraffe, it truly is nothing short of remarkable. Its diet is interesting because there are many possibilities open to Quetzalcoatlus, being able to scavenge great distances for carcasses or by stealing the rewards of other hunters through the intimidation brought by its large size. It was most likely to have hunted smaller dinosaurs galloping after them then puncturing their vitals with its beak. Or I think it could have waited by rivers for a fish to enter its beak like a spinosaurid, or by puncturing fish with its beak like spearfishing. It was not a skimmer - when birds place their beaks along the surface of the water while flying to catch prey, its jaw was too weak and it would break it by doing such. A successful animal has been found plenty of times in the hell creek formation, one of the most popular and successful fossil beds.
History
Media Deptictions
Prehistoric Planet Azhdarchids received a lot of attention throughout Prehistoric Planet. Quetzocoatalus has several scenes throughout the show, including: Two Quetzalcoatlus fighting a Tyrannosaurus over an Alamosaurus carcass. and Quetzalcoatlus protecting it’s nest.