It is no mystery where Howler Drakes got their names. Though not very bright, these emotive creatures employ an impressive vocabulary of loud chortles, shrieks, and songs to communicate with one another, and almost never stop chattering. Howler Drakes inhabit dense jungles, foraging in the fertile soil for mushrooms, tubers, and insects. When threatened, a Howler will flare its wings to display its bright red eye spots, while letting out an ear-splitting scream.

Though it may appear at first that dragons and drakes have much in common, the two are completely separate species. Drakes are smaller and less intelligent than their cousin species, though both dragons and drakes sit comfortably near the top of the food chain. They are always found bearing antlers and leathery wings. Drakes share many of the same habitats that dragons do, and typically hunt in packs.

Golden Shriek has the "glorified" position of being the first adult drake to be owned by the Dragon Trainer, ToaofPonies. Although Golden Shriek is a rather dull Howler Drake, duller than usual, he is fully aware of his alpha position within his group. Because of Golden Shriek's role, he has developed a narcissistic attitude, much to the others' discontent.

Golden Shriek's "vocabulary" is much louder than that of the average Howler Drake, causing many restless nights for the other Dragons owned by ToaofPonies.