Hawksbill Sea Turtle Physical Description

The hawksbill sea turtle eretmochelys imbricata is largely tropical and common in coral reef habitats where it feeds on sponges and a variety of other invertebrates. The reptile has powerful toothless jaws and a raptorlike beak which earned the hawksbill its name.

Hawksbill Turtle Britannica

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This beak is perfectly suited for crushing biting and tearing food.

Hawksbill sea turtle physical description. 80 kg 180 lb. Adults of the black subspecies have a higher domed carapace. Several characteristics of the hawksbill sea turtle distinguish it from other sea turtle species.

The hawksbill sea turtle is a small agile turtle with an oval shaped body. Tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Jaw is not serrated.

It also feeds on a read more. The hawksbills forelimbs have two visible claws on each flipper. Head is narrow and has 2 pairs of prefrontal scales scales in front of its eyes.

Physical features and feeding habits. Hawksbill sea turtle facts at a glance other name s. The hawksbill is a small to medium sized marine turtle having an elongated oval shell with overlapping scutes on the hard upper shell a relatively small head with a distinctive hawk like beak and flippers with two claws.

Its elongated tapered head ends in a beak like mouth from which its common name is derived and its beak is more sharply pronounced and hooked than others. The flatback sea turtle natator depressa occurs in the seas between australia and new guinea. The hawksbill sea turtle eretmochelys imbricata is largely tropical and common in coral reef habitats where it feeds on sponges and a variety of other invertebrates.

The shells of adults of both species range from 90 to 100 cm 35 to 39 inches. Scientists can identify sea turtle species by the number and pattern of scutes. Hawksbill turtles have 5 central scutes and 4 lateral scutes.

The hawksbill turtles tapered head ends in a sharp point resembling a birds beak hence its name. General coloration is brown with numerous splashes of yellow orange or reddish brown on the carapace. It also feeds on a variety of invertebrates.

A further distinctive feature is a pair of claws adorning each flipper. The hawksbill is one of the smaller sea turtles. The carapace is oval when viewed from above.

The hawksbill is a small to medium sized marine turtle having an elongated oval shell with overlapping scutes on the carapace a relatively small head with a distinctive hawk like beak and flippers with two claws. Carapace is bony without ridges and has large over lapping scutes scales present and has 4 lateral scutes. Green sea turtles have 5 central scutes and 4 lateral scutes.

The flatback sea turtle natator depressa occurs in the seas between australia and new guinea. Carapace is elliptical in shape. 1 m 3 ft average weight.