THE FLYING MONKEY

❃ The white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia) is a striking New World monkey found in the tropical forests of northern South America. Adult males are unmistakable, with dark fur surrounding a contrasting pale face, while females generally have brownish-gray coats and subtler facial markings. With thick, shaggy fur and a long, bushy tail, these unusual primates are perfectly at home high among the branches.

❃ White-faced sakis are sometimes nicknamed “flying monkeys” for their remarkable ability to leap between trees. Powerful hind legs can propel them across gaps in the forest canopy, helping them travel without descending to the dangerous forest floor. Their diet consists largely of fruit and seeds, and their robust canine teeth help them break into tough fruits and seed coverings that many other animals struggle to open.

❃ These monkeys typically live in small social groups and spend much of their day moving through the canopy in search of food. Their long tails help with balance but, unlike those of some other South American monkeys, cannot grasp branches like an extra hand. Agile, shaggy, and wonderfully distinctive, the white-faced saki is one of the Amazonian forest’s most charismatic acrobats.