Rhamphorhynchus could arguably be compared to the seagulls of modern day. These small pterosaurs lived around the coasts and islands, diving under water and catching fish in its specially adapted beak and specially shaped teeth that allow them to hold their catch without it slipping away.

Basic info

Meaning of name: Rhamphorhynchus means "beak snout".

Time of existence: Rhamphorhynchus lived in the late Jurassic, 163.5 million to 145 million years ago.

Diet: Rhamphorhynchus primarily fed on fish that they would catch from the sea. However, they would also eat insects lurking in the trees. Carrion was also on the menu for them, feeding off of dead animals.

Threats: Rhamphorhyncus was a fairly small animal, and thus was a victim for many predators, such as Liopleurodon and Eustreptospondylus. Rhamphorhynchus was also extremely susceptible to being caught in the insanely strong winds of tropical storms, which would shatter its hollow bones.

Size: Rhamphorhynchus had a wingspan of 5.9 feet.

Attributes: Rhamphorhynchus had a specially designed beak and teeth, which allowed it to catch fish. They were able to dive underwater like modern pelicans or gulls, catching fish directly underwater. Like other pterosaurs, they were able to fly extremely well, and were also extremely fast, and their long tail presumably helped them make sharp turns.

A Rhamphorhynchus perched on a rock

Appearances in the Walking with... series

Walking with Dinosaurs

Rhamphorhyncus can possibly briefly be seen in the opening.

Episode 3-Cruel Sea

Rhamphorhynchus is a recurring sight throughout the episode. They are first seen flying around above a group of basking Cryptoclidus. Later, they once again are seen flying over some basking Cryptoclidus, though this time we see more of their lifestyle. Many are seen crawling on the rocks surrounding them, and are seen skimming across the water attempting to catch fish and avoid getting their wing membranes wet. As of now, it is known that Rhamphorhynchus actually dove into the water to catch fish. One succeeds, and flies to a rock, where it begins to swallow the fish whole. The other Rhamphorhynchue continue flying and crawling, screeching to each other the entire time. Later in the episode, a young Rhamphorhynchus is seen om a tree, trying to feed on some bark beetles using it's beak to break into the trunk. Of course, its beak isn't built for that, but it continues to try nevertheless. Later during the night, a massive congregation of horseshoe crabs arrive, and begin to lay their eggs. A huge flock of Rhamphorhynchus is seen flying towards the area, and we are told that every year, the Rhamphorhynchus swarm the beach to eat as many of the eggs as they can, using their beaks to break into the sand.

Rhamphorhynchus feeding on horseshoe crab eggs

However, nothing comes easy, as a Eustreptospondylus arrives and begins stalking the Rhamphorhynchus. The predator runs in and begins to try to catch the pterosaurs. It successfully stomps on one and eats it. One pterosaur is seen on a rock, watching the carnage from a safe distance. The Eustreptospondylus proceeds to catch more Rhamphorhynchus, and a second emerges from a cave near where the lone Rhamphorhynchus is hiding. It begins to stalk the pterosaur, but the Rhamphorhynchus spots it and flies off, successfully avoiding death. We then see the flock on some rocks, clearly still recovering from the shock of the attack. Near the end of the episode, a massive tropical storm hits the area, and we are shown the corpse of a Rhamphorhynchus that was caught in the winds and killed near a beached Liopleurodon. After the giant dies and the Eustreptospondylus begin to feed, a group of Rhamphorhynchus can be seen flying above them, waiting for their turn to feed on the carcass.