Brown mesites forage on the forest floor in small family units. They prefer shady areas dense with leaf litter and plenty of prey. They use their beaks to pick up and probe through the leaves in search of insects, snails, and spiders. Colored and patterned in shades of ochre, russet, and cream, these birds are indistinguishable from the drying foliage when motionless.

Brown mesites are largely flightless birds that will only fly for short distances to escape predation. This species builds rough nests in the lower branches of smaller trees and reaches the nest by hopping up from branch to branch.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

3,500-15,000

Official estimate

VU

2018