Subdesert Mesite
Monias benschi
Odd ground-dwelling bird that is rarely seen by those not looking for it. Males have pale underparts with dark spots, while females have heavy reddish markings below. Generally in small groups, though most often seen singly in defense posture, frozen in a tree, after being flushed by a local guide. Loud call starts with inquisitive “tsik” calls, then ends with a loose rattle; usually given in strident chorus by multiple birds. Walks on the ground like Madagascar Buttonquail, but much larger and longer-tailed. Smaller, shorter-legged, and shorter-tailed than the couas.
Identification
The subdesert mesite is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as rail-like (a family with which the mesites are sometimes placed). 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.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Monias benschi
- Authority
- Oustalet & Grandidier, G, 1903
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Mesitornithidae
- Genus
- Monias
Range and habitat
The subdesert mesite is restricted to spiny thicket with open areas, from sea-level to an altitude of 130 m (430 ft). It is restricted to the 200 km (124.3 mi) long, and 30 to 60 km (18.6 to 37.3 mi) wide, coastal strip between the Fiherenana river and the Mangoky river, in the south-west of Madagascar. To the north of Manombo there is an area of circa 2,500 km2 (965 sq mi) where the habitat is still suitable; elsewhere the habitat is becoming fragmented.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The subdesert mesite forages by picking invertebrates, seeds and fruit off the ground and may dig into the surface. The birds nests are exposed platforms of twigs built in a bush within 2 m (6.6 ft) of the ground. One or two eggs are laid and the incubation and care of the young is shared by both sexes. They may be polyandrous or polygynous. The birds live in communal groups and have a loud ″nak! nak!″ alarm call when disturbed.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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A very small sunbird with a short, slightly curved bill. Males are iridescent green above and pale gray below with a narrow red chest band. Females are much plainer, with a green back and pale gray-buff underparts. Found very locally in foothill and middle elevation forest, mostly in the canopy. Female similar to female Collared Sunbird, but shows much less yellow on the underparts. Separated from other sunbirds by shape and size. The vocalizations include a rising “tseep,” often repeated, and a low “tschk.”
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