Anzu wyliei
Authentic Anzu Wyliei Claws and Bones for Sale
Find the fascinating world of Oviraptorosaurs with our selection of Anzu wyliei fossils. Anzu wyliei or the "feathered demon" was a very large Oviraptor that lived in the upper Cretaceous period (Hell Creek Formation), and was formally described in 2014 (see paper link in product descriptions). Anzu was nicknamed the "Chicken from Hell" since it is among the largest feathered dinosaurs ever found in North America. This dinosaur is characterized by a toothless beak, long arms ending with large claws, and long powerful legs. This raptor was most likely an omnivore feeding on small animals, vegetation, and possibly eggs. The late Cretaceous Anzu oviraptor grew to 13 feet and 600 pounds. Fossil remains include well preserved bones and large claws. Their large claws are highly prized by collectors. These top quality specimens were all legally collected from private lands in the northwestern US. Late Cretaceous, Hell Creek Fm. (or equivalent), 68-66 MYA. Note - this big Hell Creek Formation oviraptor was previously mis-identified as Chirostenotes. Authenticity guarnteed.
Image credit to Masato Hattori.
Distinguishing Manus Claws From Pes Claws
Understanding the difference between hand claws and foot claws helps collectors evaluate Anzu wyliei specimens.
Manus claws grew long and curved for grasping vegetation or small prey. These hand claws display a sharp flexor tubercle near the base where powerful muscle tendons attached. Pes claws supported the animal's weight during locomotion across the floodplain. Because of this, foot claws feature a broader base and a thicker overall cross-section to handle heavy impact.
Preservation in the Hell Creek Formation
Fossilization in ancient river deposits created the distinct tan-and-charcoal surface colors seen on these specimens. Understanding what makes fossils genuine requires looking closely at surface textures and bone density. Fine grooves along the sides allowed blood vessels to nourish the keratin sheath that once covered the living bone. These delicate surface features quickly wear away in open air, making buried riverbed discoveries exceptional finds.
Shop our inventory of these rare specimens to add to your personal collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the living crest on an Anzu wyliei skull look like?
Researchers believe the high, thin crest atop the skull consisted of lightweight bone covered in bright keratin. It likely served a display role for species recognition or signaling rather than fighting off predators.
Did Anzu wyliei have true feathers like modern birds?
Yes, paleontological evidence indicates these oviraptorosaurs possessed true feathers along their forearms and body. While far too heavy for flight, their plumage likely helped with egg incubation and temperature regulation throughout their lives.
How do collectors verify the private land legal provenance of a Hell Creek fossil?
Legitimate fossil dealers track landowner agreements and precise GPS map coordinates for every field discovery. At Buried Treasure Fossils, we document private ranch origins to guarantee full compliance with federal land laws.
Why are oviraptorosaur teeth missing in the Hell Creek Formation?
Anzu wyliei evolved a specialized horn-covered beak instead of traditional teeth. Because beaks decay rapidly after death, field teams typically recover heavy jaw fragments or claws, and often metatarsals, rather than individual teeth. Beak and claw fragments are equally fascinating and greatly add to any enthusiast's collection.
What causes color variations in Anzu wyliei fossil claws?
Groundwater chemistry determines whether a bone turns light tan, deep reddish-brown, or dark charcoal gray. Iron-rich sediments produce reddish tones, while dense organic clay deposits yield darker patina shades.
- Anzu wyliei - Toe Bone$450.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe bone from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An EXTRA LARGE, excellent toe bone. Last digit prior to the pes claw. Excellent brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. A complete specimen. A top quality, collector's toe bone from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. No repair or restoration. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Museum Quality. Anzu toe bones are hard to find. This toe was from a BIG Anzu.
DA14 Size: 2" Length ; proximal end: 1-3/8" Height x 1-7/16" Width
Note - Adding 6 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2025. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei - Vertebra$0.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei caudal (tail) vertebra from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent vertebra. Excellent light brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. Note - the open cell structure of this theropod vertabra. Also note the large pneumatic fossa on the sides - an Anzu vertebra trait. There is a segment of tendon fossilized with this vertebra. A top quality, collector's vertebra from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., McCone Co., Montana. Collected in 2003. Authenticity guaranteed. Museum Quality. These are rare vertebrae to find.
DA19 Size: 1-3/4" ; end dimensions: 1-5/8" x 2"
Note - Adding 14 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2022. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei - Hand Bone$0.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei hand bone from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent hand bone. Note that this is the last digit prior to the claw. Excellent brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. Note that the hand bones are quite thin and most do not survive. This one is complete. A top quality, collector's hand bone from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Museum Quality. These are rare hand bones to find.
DA17 Size: 3-1/4" ; thickness: 7/16"
Note - Adding 14 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2022. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei - Toe Bone$0.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe bone from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent toe bone. First digit of toe number one which held the "dew claw". Excellent brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. A complete specimen. A top quality, collector's toe bone from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Museum Quality. Anzu toe bones are hard to find.
DA13 Size: 3-7/8" ; proximal end: 1-1/8" x 1-1/4"
Note - Adding 14 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2022. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei - Metatarsal$0.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei metatarsal (toe) bone from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent toe bone. Excellent brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. A nearly complete specimen. A top quality, collector's toe bone from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Garfield Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Museum Quality. Anzu toe bones are hard to find.
DA12 Size: 4-3/4"
Note - Adding 14 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2022. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei claw$0.00
A rare, Top Quality, EXTRA LARGE Anzu wyliei hand (manus) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of SE Montana. Another June 2018 Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An exceptional manus claw. Highest quality rich brown color and patina. This specimen has incredible perservation with exceptional surfaces - no pitting, nicks or wear - superb surface articulation! There is some professional restoration which is typical for a big Anzu wyliei manus claw. The tip has a small section repaired and the proximal edge has a small triangular area repaired which starts at the center of proximal surface (see photo). A high quality, collector's claw from one of my favorite collecting sites. Note - 2014 Anzu wyleii description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyliei claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Museum Quality. One of my favorites! Note - a Riker frame will be included.
DA01 BoP Size: 3-7/8" (always straightline) (Note - 1-7/8" height at the proximal end!)
Note - Adding four Anzu wyliei claws in June 2018. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei finger$0.00
A very rare,Top Quality Anzu wyliei finger from the Hell Creek Fm. of SE Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell", a large Hell Creek Fm. oviraptor. This is the 2nd finger with a non-assciated manus claw and digit. The manus claw is GEM quality (flawless). Excellent rich brown color and patina. All surfaces are fantasic - very rare. This is top quality, collector's Anzu finger from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA24 Claw Size: 1-1/4" (straightline) Powder River Co. ; Digit Size: 1-1/8" Garfield Co.
Note - Adding 6 Anzu wyliei claws in February. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei finger$0.00
A very rare,Top Quality Anzu wyliei finger from the Hell Creek Fm. of SE Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell", a large Hell Creek Fm. oviraptor. This is the 2nd finger with a non-assciated manus claw and digit. The manus claw is top quality with some crack fill. Excellent rich brown color and patina. All surfaces are fantasic - very rare. This is top quality, collector's Anzu finger from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Carter Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA23 Claw Size: 1-7/16" (straightline) ; Digit Size: 1-13/16"
Note - Adding 6 Anzu wyliei claws in February. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei finger$0.00
A very rare,Top Quality Anzu wyliei finger from the Hell Creek Fm. of So. Dakota. A september Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell", a large Hell Creek Fm. oviraptor. This is the 2nd finger with a non-assciated manus claw and digit. The manus claw is top quality with minor crack fill. Excellent rich brown color and patina. All surfaces are fantasic - very rare. This is top quality, collector's Anzu finger from the Hell Creek of So. Dakota. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Harding Co., So. Dakota. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA22 Claw Size: 1-7/8" (straightline) ; Digit Size: 2-5/16"
Note - Adding 6 Anzu wyliei claws in February. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei finger$0.00
A very rare,Top Quality Anzu wyliei finger from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. A september Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell", a large Hell Creek Fm. oviraptor. This is the 1st finger with a non-assciated manus claw and digit. The manus claw is top quality with 3/16" of the tip professionally restored. Excellent rich brown color and patina. All surfaces are fantasic - very rare. This is top quality, collector's Anzu finger from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA21 Claw Size: 2-3/4" (straightline) ; Digit Size: 2-5/8"
Note - Adding 6 Anzu wyliei claws in February. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
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