They find food on the ground but mostly in the trees, usually only descending to the ground for water. They search under logs and leaves or tear off bark in order to find insects and small lizards. They are choosy eaters, picking out grubs from fruit and testing for ripeness by smelling and squeezing. They have also been reported to use tools such as stones in order to open oysters and nuts. Reproduction Capuchins are usually considered to be year round breeders, but it was reported that most of the births on Barro Colorado Island, Panama Canal Zone occurred in the dry season or early rain season.
Females reach sexual maturity at four years, and males reach sexual maturity at eight years.
Gestation period is roughly six months and the females normally only give birth to one offspring at a time. The troop consists of mostly related females and offspring and unrelated adult males. Social ties and bonds are maintained through grooming sessions. Capuchins are highly territorial and mark their trails by urinating on their hands and then rubbing their feet and fur. They use sticks for defense.