Overview
Struthiomimus altus was a swift, ostrich-like dinosaur belonging
to the ornithomimid family, primarily found in North America during the
Late Cretaceous period. The name Struthiomimus
means “ostrich mimic,” a nod to its long legs, elongated neck, and small, beaked head
reminiscent of modern ostriches. Weighing about 150 lbs and reaching
roughly 14 ft in length, Struthiomimus could run at an estimated
40 mph, relying on speed and agility for defense.
Fossil evidence suggests a toothless beak suited for an
omnivorous or possibly herbivorous diet. Struthiomimus likely
consumed fruits, seeds, small vertebrates, and insects, capitalizing on
its reach and quick reflexes. Its lightweight frame and hind-limb proportions
indicate advanced locomotive adaptations, underscoring the diversity of theropods
beyond large, apex predators.
Quick Facts
Diet
Omnivore (fruits, seeds, small animals)
Speed
Up to ~40 mph (estimated)
Bite Force
~200 psi (estimated)
Discovery & Significance
Struthiomimus was first described by paleontologist Lawrence Lambe in 1902,
based on remains found in the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta,
Canada. Later discoveries expanded its known range to other parts of North America.
Its strong resemblance to ostriches—long legs, lightweight body, and likely a large
eye orbit—hinted at the convergent evolution between some dinosaurs and modern
flightless birds.
The genus highlights the ecological diversity of Late Cretaceous theropods, moving
away from the stereotypical “large, meat-eating” mold. Researchers continue to study
Struthiomimus to better understand theropod intelligence, social
behavior, and the evolutionary transition toward avian features in some
dinosaur lineages.
More Details
Struthiomimus was a swift, long-legged dinosaur living in western North America around 78 million years ago. Its name—meaning “ostrich mimic”—perfectly captures its overall appearance: it had a sleek build, small toothless beak, and long neck reminiscent of modern flightless birds. The neck took up nearly half its length in front of the hips, allowing this dinosaur to reach foliage at varying heights or possibly to spot distant movement while foraging. In overall size, most adult specimens reached about four meters in length, weighing in the neighborhood of 150 kilograms, though some individuals may have been larger.
Its hands were unusually long and slender, with three roughly equal fingers ending in gentle curves rather than sharp claws. Some researchers suggest that these were used like a clamp or hook, perhaps bringing branches within reach or aiding in plucking small items. Others think that they helped support a set of wing-like feathers, as related dinosaurs are known to have possessed feathers. Though an obligate biped, it was likely a swift runner, perhaps hitting speeds of fifty kilometers per hour or more thanks to strong, elongated hind limbs and a stiff but mobile tail that served as a counterbalance.
Struthiomimus likely had an omnivorous diet. This would have included plants, seeds, and perhaps small prey like insects or lizards that could fit into its beak. Its jaws ended in a toothless, rhamphotheca-like tip, hinting that it might have nipped off soft vegetation or scooped up small edible morsels as it roamed. Fossil findings often place it near shallow waterways and river systems, consistent with an opportunistic lifestyle: grabbing diverse food sources and fleeing predators with its impressive speed.
Today, its slender bones and birdlike silhouette reveal a dinosaur well adapted to quick movement. Struthiomimus bridges an important evolutionary gap, reminding us that the “ostrich mimic” lineage thrived in late Cretaceous ecosystems filled with towering herbivores and formidable predators.
