Howler (monkey)

The howler is a large monkey that makes a loud, howling roar. It roars mostly at dawn, and also when two groups of howlers meet or when disturbed by noise or approaching rain. Its roar can be heard as far as two miles away. Howlers live in small groups of 15 to 20 monkeys in the tropical forests of the Western Hemisphere, from Mexico to Southern Brazil.
Howlers weigh from 12 to 20 pounds and grow about 2 feet long. Their long, powerful tails may measure as much as another 2 feet. Various species of howlers have black, brown, or reddish fur.
Howlers move slowly through the trees, feeding as they go. They eat leaves, flowers, fruits, and nuts, using their hands to grasp the branches or stems from which they nibble. Howlers often swing by their tails while feeding. They seldom leave the trees.
Scientific Classification: Howlers are members of the New World monkey family, Cebidae. They make up the genus Alouatta. One common species of howler is A. palliata.