: a small- to medium-sized sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) of warm waters that has a narrow hawk-like beak, an upper shell of overlapping horny plates, and usually two claws on each forelimb
Note:
The hawksbill turtle feeds chiefly on sponges. Its mottled brownish upper shell was used especially formerly to produce tortoiseshell.
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Seven species of sea turtles — including loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles — nest and hatch on the powder-fine sands of Longboat Key from May through October.—Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025 Head to Pink Beach to swim with rays, schools of groupers, and hawksbill turtles in the undersea garden that grows there.—Melissa Locker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024 In 2022, the group launched its See Shell App, which helps shoppers identify and avoid souvenirs made from the shells of the hawksbill turtle, an endangered species.—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024 The customs line was packed with middle-aged Americans sharing tips about the island’s best dive sites and where to spot six-foot manta rays, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses.—Nora Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2024 Several green and hawksbill turtles are darting in and out of a vibrant coral cliff with seemingly millions of species, from sculpins to sun coral and everything in between.—Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2024 In September, divers may see the green and hawksbill turtles.—Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Topping it off is Princess Alexandra Marine Park just offshore, where snorkelers can peer in on the underwater world populated by majestic rays, green and hawksbill turtles, and dazzling fish of all colors of the rainbow.—Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2023 Oscar pointed to a hawksbill turtle.—Margie Goldsmith, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023
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