The hawksbill turtle gets its name from the elongated, tapered, sharp point at the end of its beak that gives the appearance of a bird’s beak.
The hawksbill turtle is easily distinguished from other sea turtles by its sharp, curving beak with prominent tomium, the sharp cutting edge.
This strongly hooked, elongated V-shaped tapered point gives the turtle its common name, “hawksbill turtle,” as its beak resembles that of a bird of prey.
Sources: (Edelman, 2004; Ernst, Lovich, Barbour, 1994; Ripple, 1996; Turtle Trax, 2005; Wikimedia Foundation, 2018; WWF)
Image: Silke Baron
