Habitat Primary and secondary moist forest, riverine forest, mangrove swamps. Characteristics Common squirrel monkeys have a pink face with black around the mouth and nose, a gray to black head, arches over the eyes, and white hairy ear tufts. The back is gray to olive, the underparts are light yellow, and the forearms, hand, and feet are yellow orange. Behavior Active during the day, squirrel monkeys are noisy and constantly on the move through the tree-tops in search of food. Females provide all parental care, with other young females helping to take care of young after about 2 weeks.
Vocalizations range from twittering and purring to cawing and shrieking.
Reproduction During the breeding season, males may have spectacular fights that leave the loser injured or weakened. A female often mates with several males during her brief period of receptivity. Lifespan 21 years. Diet Fruit, frogs, snails, insects, and spiders. Predators Man from capturing for the pet trade and by habitat destruction.