Cebus capucinus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomy and Etymology

This species, commonly called the Colombian white-faced capuchin, belongs to the genus Cebus. It gets its name from the Capuchin order of friars, because the cowls worn by these friars closely match the color pattern on the monkey's head.

Coloration

The monkey has black coloration across its body, tail, legs, and the top of its head; its chest, throat, face, shoulders, and upper arms are white.

Body and Tail Length

The head and body length of the Colombian white-faced capuchin ranges from 33 to 45 cm (13 to 18 in), and its tail length ranges from 35 to 55 cm (14 to 22 in).

Weight

Males weigh between 3 and 4 kg (6.6 and 8.8 lb). Females are roughly 27% smaller than males, and weigh between 1.5 and 3 kg (3.3 and 6.6 lb).

Subspecies Trait

The subspecies C. c. curtus has a shorter tail than other subspecies.

Distribution

This white-faced capuchin is distributed across the extreme northwestern strip of land that lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, covering parts of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.