The pinched tamarin is endemic to the forests of north-west Colombia. It is easily recognised by the white crest at the top of its skull. Unlike other tamarins, it does not have opposable thumbs on its forelegs. It lives in small family groups consisting of a dominant pair and their young. The female always gives birth to twins. The whole group is responsible for raising the young. The pinched tamarin has a long tail that it uses as a pendulum when jumping from branch to branch.