Howler is a type of large monkey noted for the exceptionally loud sound that it makes. A howler’s roar can be heard as far as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away. Howlers roar at dawn to announce their location. They also roar when they are disturbed or when two groups of howlers meet. Howlers live in groups that generally have 15 to 20 members, but a group may have as few as 2 or as many as 45 monkeys. Howlers inhabit tropical forests from southern Mexico to southeastern Brazil. They live almost exclusively in trees.
Howlers weigh from 12 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9 kilograms) and grow about 2 feet (60 centimeters) long. Their long, powerful tails may also measure 2 feet. Various species have black, brown, or reddish fur.
Howlers move slowly through trees while eating. They eat leaves, flowers, fruits, and nuts, using their hands to grasp branches or stems from which they nibble. They often swing by their tails while feeding.
Loading the player...Howler monkey in a tree
