CAPUCHIN MONKEY, a tropical American monkey, Cebus capucinus; the name is often extended to embrace all spe cies of the same genus, whose range extends from Nicaragua to Paraguay. These monkeys are the typical representatives of the family Cebidae, and belong to a sub-family in which the tail is generally prehensile. From the other genera of that group (Cebinae) with prehensile tails capuchins are distinguished by the comparative shortness of that appendage, and the absence of a naked area on the under surface of its extremity. The hair is not woolly, the general build is rather stout, and the limbs are of moderate length and slenderness. The name capuchin is derived from the cowl-like form assumed by the thick hair on the crown. These monkeys go about in troops, frequenting the summits of tall forest-trees. In addition to fruits, they consume tender shoots and buds, insects, eggs and young birds. Many of the species are difficult to distinguish, and little is known of their habits in a wild state (see PRIMATES).