South-western Madagascar, from R Mangoky in north to R Fiheranana in south, occupying a strip 200 km long and 70-80 km wide between coast and start of hills inland.
 
Population
Estimated population is 98,000 - 152,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) [XC88218]
by id from PK32_Ranobe, Madagascar (song)
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) [XC88217]
by Louise Jasper from Pk32 Ranobe, Madagascar (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Similar Species
From terrestrial couas Coua by long, decurved bill, pale supercilium, and either largely reddish (female) or mottled whitish (male) breast.
References
See References.