Mexico's Giant Sky Dinosaur Had a 16-Meter Wingspan

Imagine a flying creature as tall as a giraffe, with wings wider than a school bus is long, soaring over ancient Mexico 66 million years ago.

Scientists have discovered fossils of Quetzalcóatlus in Coahuila, Mexico, named after the Aztec feathered serpent god of the sky. With an estimated wingspan reaching up to 16 meters and standing 10 meters tall, this prehistoric giant is one of the most impressive creatures ever found in the region.

Northern Mexico has become a treasure trove for dinosaur discoveries. Coahuila leads as a paleontological hotspot, though neighboring states like Baja California, Sonora, Nuevo León and Chihuahua have also yielded significant finds.

The Quetzalcóatlus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, soaring over North America with its razor-sharp beak and stiff neck. Like modern vultures, these massive pterosaurs fed on carcasses of smaller animals, using their enormous wings to glide across prehistoric skies.

But Mexico's ancient past holds more than just flying giants. Central states like Michoacán and Puebla have revealed important fossil sites, while discoveries extend south to Oaxaca and the coast of Guerrero.

The Ripple Effect

These discoveries paint a picture of Mexico's role in understanding Earth's prehistoric biodiversity. For over 170 million years, according to researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, countless species dominated what is now Mexican territory.

The finds have global significance too. During construction of the Felipe Ángeles International Airport, workers uncovered perfectly preserved mammoth remains in what became the largest mammoth site ever recorded. The discovery was so significant that the government built a museum called "Tierra de Gigantes" (Land of Giants) to display the specimens.

Mexico's fossil record offers scientists worldwide a window into ancient ecosystems. The country's diverse geography preserved remains that help researchers understand how prehistoric life evolved across the continent.

From giant sky predators to massive ground dwellers, Mexico's ancient residents are teaching us that the country's impressive biodiversity has roots stretching back millions of years.