Capuchin, << KAP yu chihn or KAP yu shihn, >> also called sapajou, is a group of monkeys found in Central and South America. Some zoologists believe that capuchins are the most intelligent monkeys of the Western Hemisphere. Capuchins got their name because they have a dark patch of hair that resembles a capuche (monk’s hood) on the top of the head.
Capuchins are black or brown, with white or beige hair on the face and often on the chest and upper arms. Many species (kinds) have black hair on the top of the head. A capuchin measures about 17 inches (43 centimeters) in length, not including the tail, which is about 18 inches (46 centimeters) long. It weighs about 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms).
Capuchins live in tropical forests from Honduras to southern Brazil. They spend most of their time in trees but may come to the ground during the day. The monkeys use their tails to hang from branches while gathering food or playing. They eat fruit, seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates (backboned animals), such as lizards, young birds, and young squirrels.
Capuchins live in groups of roughly 5 to 30 or more monkeys. In some species, each group has about the same number of males as females. In other species, females outnumber males. A female capuchin gives birth about six months after mating. She has one baby every one or two years. Young capuchins form social ties with one another while playing. The adults, especially the females, spend much time grooming one another’s fur. Capuchins enjoy this physical contact, and it helps preserve social ties among the adult members of the group.
