Cotton top tamarins are easily recognizable due to the mane of white hair around their head which comes to a Mohawk just above their eyes. On the rest of the face is black skin with banding of white or grey above the eyes.

The back is brown while the underside is also white. Their nails, known as “tegulae” have developed to be claw like meaning they can climb trees. Find out more!

Cotton top tamarins are omnivorous. A majority of their diet is insects. Fruits, sap, blossoms, leaves, nectar, bird’s eggs and small vertebrates also make up part of their diet. They also eat seeds dispersing them around the forest.

They are found in tropical rainforests and open woodlands. They can be found anywhere from the canopy to the ground but most of their time is spent in the lower levels.

Breeding takes place between January and June. Males and females pair up for life leading a group consisting of them and their previous young. Even if there is more than one female in the group only the dominant female will have young.

The subordinate females may become pregnant but it will not be successful. The other females are only allowed to assist with the rearing of the young. This education helps them to successfully raise their young later on in life.