species: Cebus
albifrons
Capuchins live in large groups hidden
in the trees in thick forests. They only come down to the
ground to drink. Each group has its own home range that
covers a large area. The members of a group move about in
search of the best food and keep in contact with each
other by calling. To help their sense of direction and
mark their territory, capuchin monkeys soak their feet
and hands in urine and then leave a scent on the leaves
as they move. They feed on fruit, insects, leaves, and
small birds, and possibly on small mammals.
After a gestation period of about six
months, the female gives birth to a single offspring,
which is weaned after a few months.
The white-throated capuchin's body is
slender and its limbs are thin. The head is round with
short, dark hair in the back, and the long tail is
covered with hair and is partly prehensile. This monkey's
thumbs and big toes are opposable to the other fingers
and toes.