Capuchin

Capuchin monkeys, genus cebus, of the family Cebidae, are so named because their crown hair resembles the cowl, or capuche, of Franciscan friars. Among the most intelligent of New World monkeys, capuchin are 38 to 60 cm (15 to 24 in) long, the weight 1.6 to 3.6 kg (3.5 to 8 lb). they are called ring-tailed because they often carry their slightly prehensile tails coiled at the tip. Capuchin live in the top of large trees, rarely descending to the ground. They eat fruits, leaves, insect, young birds, and eggs. Popular as pets, they are the monkeys that traditionally pass the hat for organ grinders. The brown capuchin, C. apella, has tufts of hair on the forehead. On the head is a dark brown cap with a border. This species is common in South American forests. The tufted group includes three species. The white-throated capuchin, C. capucinus, has a coat of black with white in the pale areas and is found in Central America, in western Colombia, and along the Pacific coast of Ecuador. The white-fronted capuchin, C. albifronts, is yellowish to brown in color and is found in northwestern South America. The weeper with some white and a smaller cap. It is found in northern South America.