White-breasted Mesite
Mesitornis variegatus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="mesitornis-variegatus"></birdfyi-bird>About
White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegatus) — 28–31 cm. Brown above; white underparts spotted black; long graduated tail; slender bill; largely terrestrial. Restricted to dry deciduous forest in northwest Madagascar. Non-parasitic; builds a flat stick nest. Omnivore eating invertebrates, seeds, and small lizards. Vulnerable.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 21.8 cm | 8.6 in |
| Weight | 107.0 g | 3.77 oz |
Identification
Plumage
White-breasted Mesite: white underparts with rufous spotting; olive-brown above; white supercilium; long tail; flightless forest bird
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 25 days.
Clutch Size
2-3
Sound
Song
Soft, brief trill with whistling quality; pure notes given from dense forest floor in Madagascar. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Mesitornithiformes (Mesites) |
| Family | Mesitornithidae (Mesites) |
| Genus | Mesitornis |
| Species | Mesitornis variegatus |
Distribution
White-breasted Mesite has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the White-breasted Mesite endangered?
How does the White-breasted Mesite nest?
What does the White-breasted Mesite sound like?
How big is the White-breasted Mesite?
What order and family does the White-breasted Mesite belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Mesitornithidae family