Is this the tip of a Ceratopsian beak?

[jikohr]

Hi everyone!

 

Here's another odd one from a wholesale batch. It's from the Hell Creek Formation of Powder River County. I believe it's the tip of a Ceratopsian beak and am hoping for confirmation. It measures 7.4 cm. What do you all think?

[Mahnmut]

Hi,

I am really no expert here, but it looks quite slender for a beak? Why not a horn fragment?

Curious to read what the experts say.

Best regards,

J

[Kohler Palaeontology]

I would say It's more likely a horn fragment, but I am no expert on ceratopsians. 

[Rockwood]

As a third non expert I would only add that this really calls for the experience of an expert. 

[jikohr]

On 9/12/2024 at 5:22 AM, Kohler Palaeontology said:

I would say It's more likely a horn fragment, but I am no expert on ceratopsians. 

 

On 9/12/2024 at 5:19 AM, Mahnmut said:

Hi,

I am really no expert here, but it looks quite slender for a beak? Why not a horn fragment?

Curious to read what the experts say.

Best regards,

J

 

Why not a horn fragment? Because I overthought it, got exited when I saw something else in it, and that's probably exactly what it is.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Beware Pareidolia!