What is Corythosaurus?

Corythosaurus was a herbivorous, duck-billed dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 77 to 75 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive helmet-like crest on top of its head.

Where was Corythosaurus discovered?

Corythosaurus fossils were first discovered in Alberta, Canada, in 1912 by the famous paleontologist Barnum Brown. Additional fossils have been found in other parts of North America.

What does the name Corythosaurus mean?

The name Corythosaurus means 'helmet lizard,' referring to the large, helmet-shaped crest on its head that likely played a role in vocalization and display.

What was the purpose of the crest on Corythosaurus?

The hollow crest of Corythosaurus likely helped amplify sounds for communication, and it may have also been used for species recognition or attracting mates.

When did Corythosaurus live?

Corythosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 77 to 75 million years ago, in what is now western North America.

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Dinosaurs: Corythosaurus (Helmet Lizard)

Q: How big was Corythosaurus?

Corythosaurus grew up to about 9 meters (30 feet) in length and weighed around 4 metric tons. It walked both on two legs and on all fours.

Q: What did Corythosaurus eat?

Corythosaurus was an herbivore that fed on plants, including leaves, twigs, and fruits. Its beak and dental batteries were adapted for grinding tough vegetation.

What is a Corythosaurus?

Corythosaurus was a fascinating dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, about 77–75 million years ago in what is now North America (mainly Canada and the United States). It is best known for the tall, helmet-shaped crest on its head, which looked a bit like the helmet worn by ancient Greek soldiers! Scientists believe Corythosaurus used its crest to make sounds, communicate, and possibly even recognise others of its kind.

How big was Corythosaurus?

Corythosaurus was a large, duck-billed dinosaur. It could reach up to 9 metres (30 feet) in length and stood about 2 metres (6.5 feet) tall at the hips. Weighing around 3–4 tonnes (about as much as a large car), it was a gentle giant of its time!

Appearance

Corythosaurus had a long, flat tail, strong hind legs, and walked on both two and four legs. Its most famous feature was its large, hollow crest, which rose from its head and curved slightly backwards. Some scientists think the crest could have helped it make loud, bellowing sounds. Its body was covered in scaly skin, and some fossils even show the patterns of its scales!

A realistic render of a Corythosaurus Dinosaur in a prehistoric desert.

Corythosaurus

Generative AI Notiﬁcation: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

What did Corythosaurus eat?

Corythosaurus was a plant-eater (herbivore). It had hundreds of closely packed teeth that worked like a giant food processor, perfect for chewing tough, fibrous plants. Its flat, duck-like beak helped it crop leaves, branches, and water plants as it walked along rivers and forests.

Where did Corythosaurus live?

Fossils of Corythosaurus have been found in what is now Alberta, Canada, and parts of the United States. During the Cretaceous Period, these areas were covered by lush forests, swamps, and river deltas, perfect for a plant-eater like Corythosaurus.

Interesting facts

Helmet crest: Corythosaurus’s crest could be nearly half a metre (1.5 feet) long, and each dinosaur’s crest was unique, like a fingerprint!
Duck-billed dinosaur: Corythosaurus is one of the best-known duck-billed dinosaurs, thanks to many well-preserved skeletons and skin impressions.
Fossil finds: Over 20 Corythosaurus skeletons have been found, including some with fossilised skin!
First discovery: The first Corythosaurus fossils were discovered in Alberta, Canada, in 1911.

A realistic render of a Corythosaurus Dinosaur on a plain white background.

Corythosaurus size compared to an average adult human.

Corythosaurus Facts

Pronounced: ko-RITH-oh-sore-us

Name Means: "Helmet Lizard"

Length: up to 9 m (30 feet)

Height: up to 2 m (6.5 feet) at the hips

Weight: about 3,000–4,000 kilograms (3–4 tonnes)

Diet: Herbivore (plants)

Time: Late Cretaceous (about 77–75 million years ago)

Fossils Found: North America (Canada, USA)

Which family of Dinosaurs did Corythosaurus belong to?

Corythosaurus was part of the Hadrosauridae family, a group of plant-eating dinosaurs known as "duck-billed dinosaurs" because of their flat, beak-like mouths. Hadrosaurs were some of the most common dinosaurs in Late Cretaceous North America. It is related to other hadrosaurs like Saurolophus, Edmontosaurus, and Parasaurolophus.

How did Corythosaurus move?

Corythosaurus could walk on two or four legs, and when it needed to move quickly, it probably ran on its strong hind legs. Scientists think it could run as fast as a modern-day ostrich, helping it escape from predators.

What did Corythosaurus use its crest for?

Corythosaurus had a large, bony crest on its head that looked just like a helmet. The crest was hollow and connected to its nose and breathing passages. Scientists think it used the crest to make sounds, breathe, or even for display to impress others.

Did Corythosaurus live in herds?

Yes, Corythosaurus likely lived in large groups, or herds. Living in herds helped protect them from predators and may have helped them find food and care for their young.

What other dinosaurs lived at the same time as Corythosaurus?

During the Late Cretaceous Period, Corythosaurus shared its world with many other dinosaurs, such as:

Tyrannosaurus rex: A giant meat-eating dinosaur, and a possible predator of Corythosaurus.
Parasaurolophus: Another duck-billed dinosaur with a long, tube-like crest.
Centrosaurus: A horned dinosaur with a large frill and horns on its head.
Edmontosaurus: A close relative, also a duck-billed dinosaur.
Dromaeosaurus: A small, fast, meat-eating dinosaur.

Corythosaurus FAQ

Q1: What is a Corythosaurus?

A1: Corythosaurus was a large, herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, around 76-73 million years ago.

Q2: What does Corythosaurus mean?

A2: Its name means "helmet lizard" because of the tall, helmet-shaped crest on its head.

Q3 Was Corythosaurus a carnivore?

A3: No, it was a plant-eater (herbivore).

Q4: How big was Corythosaurs crest?

A4: The crest could be up to 0.5 metres (1.5 feet) long!

Q5: Did Corythosaurus have feathers?

A5: No, it had scaly skin.

Q6: Where did Corthosaurus live?

A6: In what is now Canada and the United States, North America.

Q7: Did Corythosaurus live in herds?

A7: Yes, it likely lived in large groups.

Q8: What did Corythosaurus use its crest for?

A8: The crest helped it make sounds, communicate, and possibly recognise friends and family!

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