HOWLER, a name applied to the members of the genus Alouatta of tropical American monkeys. These monkeys, which are of large size, with thick fur, red or black in colour, are char acterized by the inflation of the hyoid bone (which supports the tongue) into a large shell-like organ communicating with the windpipe, and giving peculiar resonance to the voice. The muzzle is projecting, and the profile of the face slopes regularly back wards. The long tail is prehensile, thickly furred, with the under surface of the extremity naked, to secure a better grip. Howlers dwell in companies, and in the early morning and 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 on the move they progress in order, led by an old male.
"Howler" is also a slang term for conspicuously absurd blunders made by schoolboys or students in examinations, etc.