Species Spotlight: White-faced Capuchin Monkey

Introduction of the Species

The White-faced Capuchin is one of Costa Rica’s great performers. It is expressive, curious, smart, and usually seems to be planning something. Whether that something is photogenic or mildly illegal by monkey standards depends on the day.

Physical Description

This monkey has a black body with pale cream coloring on the face, shoulders, and chest. Its contrasty look makes it highly recognizable, even in busy forest backgrounds.

Native Habitat

It occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including dry forest, tropical forest, and secondary woodland. In Costa Rica it is one of the more familiar monkey species and is often seen moving in active groups.

Where They Are Found in Central and South America

White-faced Capuchins are found in Central America and into the northwestern edge of South America. They are well established in Costa Rica and are among the most commonly photographed primates there.

Food and Eating Habits

They are omnivores with a broad diet that includes fruit, insects, leaves, nuts, and small vertebrates. Their intelligence and adaptability are part of what makes them so successful.

Known Lifespan

Strong sources show a lifespan reaching roughly the high twenties in captivity, though wild lifespan is usually lower and more variable.

Join Us in Costa Rica

Capuchins are one of those subjects that guests remember long after the trip is over. They are full of life, full of expression, and full of opportunities for storytelling images. Join our Costa Rica photo workshop and we will help you photograph them in a way that captures not just what they look like, but who they seem to be.