Definition & Meaning of "squirrel monkey"

What is a "squirrel monkey"?

The squirrel monkey is a small New World monkey with a compact body, long tail, and large eyes. Its fur is typically a mix of gray, brown, and yellow colors, with a white or yellowish face and a darker mask around the eyes. Squirrel monkeys are highly social animals that live in large groups and are known for their active and agile movements through the trees. They are known for their acrobatic abilities, often leaping and swinging from branch to branch in search of food, which primarily consists of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Squirrel monkeys are found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, and their curious and playful nature makes them popular among primate enthusiasts and researchers alike.