Review and photos by tyrantqueen
Oviraptor is a genus of small theropod dinosaurs, discovered in Mongolia. This figure belongs to the now extinct Carnegie line by Safari Ltd. It is seen by many fans as the “female” counterpart to the newer 2007 version, due to its more subdued plumage, but it really was never intended to be.
I do agree that the duller plumage works for a female, but unfortunately it is lacking the wing feathering that a mother oviraptor (and probably the male too) would have possessed and covered its eggs with, so logically, it doesn’t really work as a female of the species. There is also no reason why it shouldn’t have a tail fan. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from using your imagination.
It’s positioned in the tripod posture, which has almost become a Carnegie trademark by now. Despite this, mine still has issues standing, and will tip over very easily.
It seems as though Forest Rogers thickened up the limbs for the 2007 version. The original has very thin, spindly toes and fingers. But aside from that and the missing tail fan and wings, it is clear this is the same sculpt, just heavily retooled. The original has very slender lower legs, you can see in comparison how beefed up the newer sculpt is.
I think Forest Rogers style works very well for small theropods. It seems as though she takes inspiration from small extant birds alive today.
This figure has long been retired and harder to find still now that the Carnegie line has ended. I found mine with the aid of a tip off from a forum member (thanks Halichoeres) on eBay. I would only recommend it if you’re a big theropod fan or Carnegie collector, since the 2007 is mostly superior.
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I find it annoying how the tails are drastically different lengths. Take away the male’s fan and his tail ends up looking about a foot shorter than the female’s.
I don’t have either version of the Carnegie Oviraptor, but from looking at photos I think the shorter tail on the newer version is more likely to be correct. Whenever oviraptorosaur tails have been found they’ve always been on the short side. Feathers at the end of their tails could have then extended the tail length past the bones.
The longer tail on the older version looks nice, but also too long for an oviraptorosaur. Still though, I’m finding I prefer the older Carnegie Oviraptor to the newer one. I prefer the older one’s colour scheme and pose.
Assuming that Oviraptor followed the same body plan as its relative Khaan (which is known from a complete skeleton), then yes, the shorter tail is the correct one.
I hadn’t noticed the 2007 Carnegie Oviraptor is a retooled version of this figure! After you mentioned this, I compared the two in photos and I can see it too!