Oviraptor

- Pronunciation: o-vih-RAP-tor
- Translation: Egg Thief
- Order: Saurischia
- Suborder: Theropoda
- Infraorder: Tetanurae
- Micro-order: Maniraptora (of the microorder Coelurosauria)
- Family: Oviraptoridae
- Superfamily: Oviraptorosauria
- Height: 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Weight: 80 pounds (36 kg)
- Length: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Period: Late Cretaceous
- Description: Carnivore, Bipedal
- Notes: Found in southern Mongolia, Oviraptor received its name, "Egg Thief," from the fact that it was found atop a clutch ofeggs that were believed to be those of Protoceratops.With the discovery of an egg with an Oviraptor embryo in it, the eggsattributed to Protoceratops belong to Oviraptor. Moreover, a fewnew specimens show skeletons of Oviraptor crouching overclutches of these eggs. Instead of stealing the eggs, it seems likelythat Oviraptor was trying to protect the nests, not plunder them.Oviraptor had long, slender legs and huge hands with three long, slender fingers. Although it possessed no teeth, Oviraptor's clawed hands argue for its predator status.