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Subdesert Mesite

Monias benschi

Vulnerable · IUCN Red List

VUVulnerableEndemicInvertebratesWoodlandPlatform nestMedium · 138 g
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi), photo 1
Photo: Nigel Voaden · CC BY 4.0
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi), photo 2
Photo: Nigel Voaden · CC BY 4.0
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi), photo 3
Photo: Rob Foster · CC BY 4.0
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi), photo 4
Photo: Rob Foster · CC BY 4.0
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi), photo 5
Photo: Rob Foster · CC BY 4.0
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi), photo 6
Photo: Rob Foster · CC BY 4.0

ID tip

The subdesert mesite is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as rail-like. The species has a long and downward-curved bill distinguishing it from the other members of the family. Both sexes are greyish above and show thin white eyebrows. Both have white underparts; the male has black crescent-shaped spots on the side of the neck and upper breast. The female has rufous spots that may merge into a general rufous tone, and has a tawny cheek patch.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Subdesert Mesite

One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 5 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Subdesert Mesite

Regular range

The map shades 1 country with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Madagascar

About the Subdesert Mesite

The subdesert mesite is a ground-dwelling bird endemic to Madagascar. It is one of three species in the mesite family Mesitornithidae, and is restricted in distribution to a small low-land region in southwest Madagascar.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegatus) White-breasted MesiteMesitornis variegatusThe white-breasted mesite is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as rail-like. Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) Brown MesiteMesitornis unicolorThis species is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as rail-like.

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