Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor)

Other Names (World)
Brown Mesite, Brown Roatelo

Family
Mesitornithidae (Mesites)

Size
30 cm

First Described (Guide)
(Des Murs, 1845)

Habitat
Undisturbed primary, evergreen, humid forest. From sea-level - 1,200 m.

Range (Guide)

Madagascar (B).

Eastern Madagascar, from near Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) to Marojejy; not recorded in apparently suitable Sambirano region of north-western Madagascar.

Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.

Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.

Status VU
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Habits
Often in family groups of two or three.

Food
Seeds and small insects.

Voice
Song is a rarely given, loud rolling 'chooi-whoop-chooi-whoop chooi-whoop'.

Xeno-Canto Sound Files (more (18)...)

Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) [XC154937]
by Dries Van de Loock from Maroantsetra, Toamasina, Madagascar (song)

Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) [XC162736]
by Mike Nelson from Chez Arol, Masoala NP, Madagascar (song)

Subspecies
No subspecies.

Similar Species
From Madagascar Wood-Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) by long full tail, less pure grey on head, slim bill, and very horizontal posture, from White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegatus) by lack of conspicuous head pattern and even, mid-rufous brown underparts.

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

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BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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