About Mesites

Overview

Mesitornithiformes contains the mesites, three small, terrestrial, rail-like birds endemic to Madagascar. They are shy forest and scrub dwellers that forage on the ground for invertebrates and fallen fruit and build flimsy nests. Once thought related to rails, they are now recognised as a distinct endemic Malagasy lineage of high conservation concern.

Classification

The order Mesites (Latin: MESITORNITHIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 3 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Mesitornithiformes contains the mesites, three small, terrestrial, rail-like birds endemic to Madagascar.

Notable Families

Mesites and others.