Subdesert Mesite
Monias benschi
The Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) is a rare mesit found only in Madagascar, weighing about 138 g. The subdesert mesite is a ground-dwelling bird endemic to 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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Subdesert Mesite?
- The subdesert mesite is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as rail-like. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Subdesert Mesite?
- The Subdesert Mesite is a medium sized bird weighing about 138 g.
- Where can you see a Subdesert Mesite?
- The Subdesert Mesite is endemic to Madagascar, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Subdesert Mesite?
- The Subdesert Mesite is most easily confused with the White-breasted Mesite and the Brown Mesite.
- Is the Subdesert Mesite endangered?
- The Subdesert Mesite is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Subdesert Mesite for real
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