Capuchin monkeys, both white and brown faced, live in the Amazon rainforest. They are very busy, very loud, and very social animals. Those characteristics make capuchins some of the most exciting animals to watch. But do not blink, or you might miss them.

Capuchins are considered to be a medium-sized monkey, weighing about 5-7 lbs. and growing to a length of 1-2 feet long (without their tails). They use their tails, which can grow longer than their body, as a safety line when zipping through the trees. A tail that can act like an arm or leg is called a prehensile tail.

They live in large, loud troops (a group of monkeys is called a troop). Generally a troop is made up of between 2 to 30 individuals. The troops have one adult male plus females and their young. The usually travel an average of over 1 mile per day and they are very territorial. Capuchins will fight with other capuchins and other species of monkeys to defend their territory.

For the most part, capuchins live high in the rainforest canopy. However, they are so active that many can be spotted near or even on the forest floor.

Capuchins mostly eat fruit and insects, but they will also eat bird eggs, young birds, baby squirrels, and even small lizards.

For further exploration, check out the following web sites.

Wilderness Classroom's Rainforest Library

Hilo Zoo's Capuchin Page

The Hogel Zoo's Capuchin Page