Chapter IV: The Red-Backed Saki. Pithecia Chiropotes

_Simia chiropotes_, Humb., Obs. Zool., i., p. 311 (1811).

{188}_Simia sagulata_, Traill, Mem. Wern. Soc., iii., p. 167 (1821).

_Brachyurus israelita_, Spix, Bras., Sim. et Vespert., p. II, pl. 7
(1823).

_Pithecia chiropotes_, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 116 (1812); Scl., P.
Z. S., 1871, p. 228; Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 223 (1876).

_Brachyurus satanas_, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus., p. 13 (1843).

_Chiropotes sagulata_, Gray, Cat. Monkeys Brit. Mus., p. 60 (1870).

CHARACTERS.--MALE.--Larger than _P. satanas_; black, with a reddish-chestnut patch on the back, with a coarse brownish beard, longer than in _P. satanas_; tail very thick, bushy.

FEMALE.--Similar to the male, but without the beard.

DISTRIBUTION.--Amazonia, Rio Negro, and Rio Branco; Upper Orinoco; British Guiana.

HABITS.--This species is said to be solitary, or to go about only in pairs. It derives its scientific name from its habit of drinking by lifting the water to its head with its hands, instead of stooping down and applying its mouth to the water. It is difficult to tame, being fierce and ill-dispositioned.