Head to head
Blue Monkey vs Red-tailed Monkey
Blue Monkey
VS Red-tailed Monkey
The blue monkey and red-tailed monkey are both guenons in the genus Cercopithecus, living in troops of females led by a single male in the forests of Central and East Africa.
| Blue Monkey | Red-tailed Monkey | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cercopithecus mitis | Cercopithecus ascanius |
| Relationship | A close relative of the red-tailed monkey, in the same genus | A close relative of the blue monkey, in the same genus |
| Appearance | A blue-grey coat with darker limbs, a pale throat or bib, and a dark face | A white, heart-shaped nose patch and a long reddish or coppery tail |
| Troop life | Lives in troops of females and young led by a single adult male | Lives in troops of females and young led by a single adult male |
| Food storage | Stores food in cheek pouches to eat later in safety | Stores food in cheek pouches to eat later |
| Mixed groups | Not specifically documented | Often moves with other forest monkeys, such as red colobus and mangabeys |
| Range and forms | Forest across Central and East Africa, with many forms such as Sykes's monkey | Forest across Central and East Africa, including Uganda |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, though some forms are declining as forest is cleared | Least Concern, widespread and common |
Blue Monkey vs Red-tailed Monkey: common questions
Which guenon has a white nose patch?
The red-tailed monkey, which has a white, heart-shaped patch on its nose and a long coppery tail.
What is a Sykes's monkey?
A form of the blue monkey found in East Africa.
Where do the blue monkey and red-tailed monkey live?
Both live in forest in Central and East Africa, with the red-tailed monkey found in places such as Uganda.