White-breasted Mesite
NameWhite-breasted Mesite
Common NameWhite-breasted Mesite
Scientific NameMesitornis variegatus
FamilyMesitornithidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)30.5
Weight (g)107
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown, with a grey crown and nape. It features a prominent white supercilium bordered by a dark stripe below and a rufous stripe above. The throat and breast are white, with fine dark barring or spotting on the flanks and lower breast, extending onto a buffy belly.
Vocalization / CallKnown for soft, cooing calls, often described as a series of low, mournful notes or trills.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to western Madagascar, primarily found in the dry deciduous forests.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive head pattern with white supercilium and dark eye-stripe, Rufous-brown upperparts and wings, White throat and breast with dark barring on flanks, Terrestrial, ground-dwelling behavior, Medium size with a relatively long tail
Description
A medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird endemic to Madagascar, known for its shy nature and distinctive head markings. It forages quietly in the leaf litter of dry deciduous forests, often walking rather than flying.
