Hawksbill Turtle

Description:

This turtle can be distinguished as a Hawksbill because of the overlapping plats on the shell, as well as having two smaller pairs of plates between its eyes, as opposed to Greens, which only have one. Hawksbills also have a slightly overhanging upper beak--the cause of their 'hawk's bill' namesake.

Habitat:

Hawksbills are a highly migratory species and can be seen in a large variety of habitats, however they are most common around coral reefs, where they can be seen swimming or resting during the day (as pictured).

Notes:

This Hawksbill was spotted swimming around a the "shark pen" coral reef at Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico. After following it for several minutes, it made its way to the bottom (approx. six meters) and rested there for a while before moving on.