Capuchin Monkeys are omnivores, eating not only fruits, nuts, flowers, seeds and buds, but also insects, spiders, bird eggs and small vertebrates. They can also eat small mammals. They need a varied and healthy diet. During the season of fruit scarcity, the Capuchin Monkey tends to feed on a greater proportion of insects. Capuchin Monkeys living near water will also eatcrabs and shellfish by cracking their shells with stones.