Brown mesite

This timid, dove-like bird is found only in the last remaining primary rainforests of Madagascar

Francesco Veronesi

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

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No