 Scientists compared the type specimen (holotype) to the bones of extant crocodilians and aquatic birds, and found evidence of a semiaquatic lifestyle.A phylogenetic analysis revealed it was a member of the basal subfamily Halszkaraptorinae, along with "Mahakala" and "Hulsanpes".The holotype of "Halszkaraptor" likely came from the Djadochta Formation at Ukhaa Tolgod in southern Mongolia, and illegally removed by fossil poachers.