The diet of a Cotton Top Tamarin consists of fruit, seeds, gums and animal matter ranging from insects to mice and birds.  They move quadrupedally and can demonstrate some clinging and leaping locomotion.  Their social structure is multi-male/multi-female (MMMF).  These monkeys are diurnal and arboeal.  During aggressive sessions and dominance displays, they stand bipedally.  Allomothering is common in this species and females scent mark more than the males do.  These monkeys sleep high in tree forks and vine tangles.