HOWLER  , a name applied to the members of a

group of tropical American monkeys, now known scientifically as Alouata, although formerly designated 3lycetes . These monkeys, which are of large size, with thick fur, sometimes red and sometimes black in colour, are characterized by the inflation of the hyoid-bone (which supports the roof of the tongue) into a large shell-like organ communicating with the wind-pipe, and giving the peculiar resonance to the voice from which they take their title . To allow space for the hyoid, the sides of the lower jaw are very deep and expanded . The muzzle is projecting, and the profile of the face slopes regularly backwards from the muzzle to the crown . The long tail is highly prehensile, thickly furred, with the under surface of the extremity naked . Howlers dwell in large companies, and in the early morning, and again in the evening, make the woods resound with their cries, which are often continued throughout the night . They feed on leaves, and are in the habit of sitting on the topmost branches of trees . When active, they progress in regular order, led by an old male . (R .