Mesitornis
The elusive birds in this genus are found exclusively in Madagascar
This genus contains medium-sized birds only present in Madagascar’s islands.
The members of this genus are completely ground-dwelling and are found primarily in the western deciduous forests of Madagascar.
Usually, females are smaller in size when compared to males but are not sexually dimorphic. Apart from that, these birds are omnivorous in diet and typically feed on plant matter and small adult or larval invertebrates from the leaf litter.
These birds are usually present in small groups throughout the year and are monogamous.
This genus is currently on a rapid decline in population, and it’s mainly attributed to habitat loss by human interference.
Species in this genus
Brown mesite
This timid, dove-like bird is found only in the last remaining primary rainforests of Madagascar
White-breasted mesite
Like its largely flightless sister species, white-breasted mesites make use of camouflage as their first line of defense
