Hawksbill Sea Turtle

The hawksbill sea turtle is a marine turtle recognized by a narrow, pointed beak and overlapping shell scales. It commonly uses tropical reefs, where sponges are important food. Its tapered head allows it to reach into crevices for prey. Other foods supplement the diet, depending on location and life stage. Females lay eggs on sandy beaches, and the young enter the sea after hatching. The shell's patterned appearance differs from the smoother outline of a green sea turtle.