Their furry, rough skin is black, grey or reddish-brown in color depending upon the species.

Their bodies are adapted to life in the trees, with strong hind legs allowing them to make far jumps.

They mostly move on all fours, sometimes running in an upright position on the hind legs over the branches, and sometimes jumping long distances.

Sakis allow adult offspring and non-related immigrants into their groups unlike titi or owl monkeys.

Sakis, as well as uakaris, engage in a specialized form of frugivory in which they focus specifically on unripe fruits and seeds.