Physical description
This monkey is distinguished by its dense and silky coat of dark brown to black color, with a well-marked yellowish tint on the chest and belly, from which it gets its name. Its head is often adorned with a small crest or a dark hood-shaped pattern. Its face, framed by lighter hair, is hairless around the mouth and nose, which accentuates its lively and curious expressions.
Size and weight
The Yellow-breasted Capuchin measures between 30 and 45 cm, with a prehensile tail of similar length that serves as an additional tool for climbing and moving through trees. Males are generally more imposing, reaching up to 4 kg, while females weigh around 2.5 to 3 kg.
Habitat and distribution
It is found in the tropical forests of South America, particularly in Brazil, Venezuela and the Guianas. Arboreal and diurnal, this monkey lives in hierarchical social groups that can number up to thirty individuals.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Yellow-breasted Capuchin feeds mainly on fruits, nuts, insects, small animals and sometimes eggs. It is also known for its exceptional intelligence, sometimes using tools, such as stones to crack nuts, a rare behavior in the animal kingdom.
