Which sea turtle is named for its narrow, bird-like beak?

The sea turtle named for its narrow, bird-like beak is the hawksbill sea turtle.

The hawksbill’s pointed, hooked jaws resemble the bill of a hawk, giving the species its common name. Its scientific name is Eretmochelys imbricata, and it is the only living species in the genus Eretmochelys. The narrow beak helps it reach sponges and other invertebrates from crevices in coral reefs, where its specialized diet makes it an important reef consumer.

Hawksbills are recognized by their overlapping shell scutes, colorful mottled carapaces, and two pairs of scales between the eyes. They are found mainly in tropical and subtropical oceans, especially around coral reefs, coastal lagoons, and rocky areas. Unlike the broad-headed loggerhead, the hawksbill has a much more sharply tapered snout.

The shell is also the source of a major historical danger. Hawksbill scutes were used to make “tortoiseshell” jewelry, combs, and ornaments, contributing to severe population declines. International trade is now prohibited under CITES, but habitat loss, bycatch, pollution, and illegal harvesting remain threats. The species is classified as critically endangered.