Subdesert Mesite
NameSubdesert Mesite
Common NameSubdesert Mesite
Scientific NameMesitornis mesitornis
FamilyMesitornithidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)27
Weight (g)90
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are brown, with a prominent white supercilium above a dark eye-stripe. The underparts are white, heavily spotted with black on the breast and flanks. It has reddish eyes and a long, slender, decurved bill that is reddish at the base.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, cooing calls, often given in duets, described as a repeated 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo-coo'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, desert
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the dry deciduous and spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar.
Identifying FeaturesLong, decurved reddish bill, Prominent white supercilium, Heavily spotted breast and flanks, Reddish eyes, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Subdesert Mesite is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird endemic to Madagascar, characterized by its long, decurved bill and striking facial markings. It forages for invertebrates in the leaf litter of dry forests and subdesert scrub.
