The common marmoset is distributed throughout the Atlantic Coastal Forest of northeastern Brazil. Translocated populations of the common marmoset also flourish in the ranges of other Brazilian marmoset and tamarin species, such as around Rio de Janiero, well beyond their native coastal forests. On any one day a marmoset group will travel about 500 to 1000 meters. This species may also be found in coastal and upland scrub forest, gallery forests and even gardens and parks of South American cities, such as Natal and Joao Pessoa. Wherever they are found, their home range will typically include a variety of habitat types.
Infants lack ear tufts and have gray fur over head and neck.
Tail has alternating wide dark bands and pale narrow bands. These teeth are enlarged and chiseled to enhance the ability to gnaw holes in trees. Arboreal Quadrupedal running, vertical clinging and leaping on branches. Replacement of nails with claws assists in locomotion. It is estimated that there are 11 species of marmosets and 16 species of tamarins within the Callitrichid family.