how big were velociraptors?

velociraptors are one of the most iconic dinosaurs featured throughout popular culture, with many people associating them to the movie Jurassic Park. But how big were velociraptors?

The Velociraptor is believed to have been about 2 feet (60 cm) tall at the hip, and 6 feet (180 cm) long from head to tail. Their skull was about 8 inches (20 cm) long, and their weight is unclear. Estimates range from 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg).

While being one of the smallest members of its dromaeosaurid family, it was still much larger than commonly portrayed in Jurassic Park – in reality, its size dwarfed that of humans. Its massive foot claws were up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, making them much larger than depicted in the movie.

The velociraptor's body was slender with short legs but is believed to have been an agile hunter thanks to a powerful body and sickle-shaped talons on its hind legs. It had a stiff tail that provided balance while running indicating good maneuverability when chasing prey. It had stiff feathers which may have been used for temperature regulation or display as they spread out during runs at speeds up to 40 mph.

In addition to its physical attributes of size and agility, another interesting fact about velociraptors is that there are three species: the Velociraptor mongoliensis, Velociraptor osmolskaei and Velociraptor lennierii. The first two were discovered in Mongolia in the 1920s, while the last was discovered in western China's Gobi desert region only recently in 2007 based on skeletal remains and eggs found at a nesting site.