Behavior Capuchins are very intelligent, learning quickly and remembering well. It is generally recognized that capuchins are more intelligent than other monkeys of comparable size. Sometimes called monkey mechanics because of their ability to use simple hand tools. They have been observed opening nuts with stones or by banging them on a hard surface. Often it will rest sitting on a branch with its limbs dangling and the tail tip anchored to the branch.
Facial expressions are highly developed.
Greetings will include much lip smacking. If challenged, they will respond with bared teeth and a threatening stare. Living in groups of up to 30 individuals, it is an arboreal animal but will descend to the ground to drink, play, and to raid crops. The capuchin will walk bipedally, for short distances while carrying food, with knees bent and body forward over the items it is carrying. Capuchins are highly vocal and make use of a wide variety of calls to keep in contact with other group members and as a predator alarm.