There Were No Flying Dinosaurs, Only Flying Reptiles

When you think of flying dinosaurs, you probably think of pterodactyls, but that's actually not quite right. Image Source / Getty Images/Image Source

It can be fun to imagine what it was like when dinosaurs were alive on Earth, lurking under the water, defending their territories on land and soaring through the sky. But wait, that imaginary scenario is technically inaccurate. As it turns out, there were no flying dinosaurs, only flying reptiles.

This is a common misunderstanding, as the average person doesn't know the difference between dinosaurs and pterosaurs, or the name experts use when referring to these flying creatures. Long before modern birds arrived on the scene, these flying reptiles evolved separately from dinosaurs, on their own branch of the reptile family tree, and went on to dominate the skies.

What were pterosaurs like? Here are seven flying reptiles that continue to fascinate dinosaur hunters and paleontologists.

1. Pterodactylus

Pterodactylus, which lived during the late Jurassic period, was the first pterosaur genus paleontologists discovered. As a result, a Pterodactyl may be the first thing that comes to your mind when you try to picture prehistoric flying reptiles.

This particular species was relatively small, with a long, toothed beak. Its winged fingers supported wing membranes, enabling it to fly. Pterodactylus was primarily a fish eater, as suggested by the structure of its blade-like jaws and tooth comb.

2. Quetzalcoatlus

Quetzalcoatlus, from the late Cretaceous period, was one of the largest pterosaurs, with an estimated adult wingspan of up to 40 feet (12.2 meters). Hollow tubes in their wing bones and powerful flight muscles made them formidable fliers.

However, their robust limbs indicate they could have walked or even stalked prey on the ground, making them, in part, terrestrial pterosaurs. They likely fed on small animals and carrion, similar to what you might expect from a present-day vulture.

The first person to discover a fossil of one of these part-flying, part-terrestrial pterosaurs was 22-year-old Douglas Lawson, who unearthed the creature's wing bones in Big Bend National Park in 1975. The name of the flying reptile comes from the Aztec feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl.

3. Dimorphodon

Dimorphodon, which lived during the early Jurassic period, is known for its two distinct types of teeth and robust skull. The flying apparatus of this pterosaur included its strong hind limbs and a long tail. Its wingspan may have been roughly 4.5 feet (1.4 meters), and it likely ate insects or fish.

The famous English fossil hunter Mary Anning was the first person to find this pterosaur fossil, which she uncovered in the 1820s. The British Museum purchased her flying reptile specimen in 1835.

4. Rhamphorhynchus

Rhamphorhynchus, from the late Jurassic period, had long tails with diamond-shaped tips and toothed beaks. Their wing membranes were attached to their elongated fourth fingers. They primarily fed on fish, indicated by their toothy jaws.

Fossil records of this flying reptile show well-preserved pterosaur fossils, providing valuable insights into its anatomy and lifestyle. This particular species also possessed air sacs, which aided in its buoyancy and flight efficiency.

5. Pteranodon

Pteranodon, which lived during the late Cretaceous period, was a flying reptile that lacked teeth and had a prominent cranial crest. They had large wingspans, supported by strong, hollow bones. Pteranodon likely fed on fish, catching their prey during flight. The powerful flight muscles and winged fingers of Pteranodon allowed for sustained, long-distance gliding over oceans.

Most pterosaur skulls (including Pteranodon skulls) found in fossil records show peculiar adaptations. In the case of Pteranodon skulls, they evolved to be suited for an aquatic lifestyle, streamlined for diving and capturing fish.

6. Tapejara

Tapejara, from the early Cretaceous period, are notable for the large, sail-like crests on their heads. Adapted for soaring, these flying reptiles had wings designed to glide over long distances. Tapejara had a varied diet, including fish and possibly fruit.

Fossil record evidence suggests Tapejara's strong hind limbs and flexible wing membranes of these earliest pterosaurs contributed to their exceptional maneuverability while flying.

7. Nyctosaurus

Nyctosaurus, which lived during the late Cretaceous period, is also known for its bizarre head crest, which stood out among other pterosaurs and looked similar to an antler. With long wings and lightweight skeletons, these weird dinosaurs were well-adapted for efficient flight. They likely fed primarily on fish and small marine organisms.

The fossil record shows Nyctosaurus had a reduced number of wing fingers, simplifying its wing structure. During a pterosaur flight, this could have translated to better aerodynamics.

The Fossil Record and Recent Discoveries

Pterosaur fossils, including pterosaur skulls and wing bones, have provided critical insights into the anatomy and habits of these ancient flying creatures, which are so unlike modern birds in every way other than their shared characteristic of flight.

Dinosaur hunters have unearthed pterosaur fossils in various locations around the world, from Asia's Gobi Desert to the United Kingdom's Jurassic Coast. Recent discoveries of soft tissues, such as wing membranes and air sacs, have shed further light on pterosaur flight and physiology.

For example, researchers have discovered that most pterosaur skulls developed specific adaptations, such as a downturned head for better vision or fluid-filled chambers to help a flying creature orient itself. These features make them further unlike birds and are evidence of just how diverse their lifestyles were during prehistoric times.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.