Biology
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This secretive, terrestrial bird is generally found in groups of two to four (3), consisting of an adult breeding pair and their most recent young (2). They walk around the forest floor, with their body horizontal and their head rocking slight forwards and backwards, rummaging amongst dead leaves and probing the ground in search of food (3). The white-breasted mesite feeds mostly on invertebrates (small adults and larvae), but it also consumes some plant matter. Its diet varies according to the season, but includes crickets, cockroaches, spiders, beetles, centipedes, moths, flies and seeds (2).
The white-breasted mesite may be seen resting on a carpet of dead leaves in the shade, and at night, they perch together on a low branch. Only rarely does this bird fly; if in danger, it runs on a zigzag course, frequently freezing in an attempt to confuse the pursuer, and will only fly a few metres if necessary (3).
November to January is the peak of the egg-laying season for the white-breasted mesite. This apparently monogamous bird, forms long-lasting bonds and lays clutches of one to three eggs in a simple platform-like nest of interwoven twigs, situated close to the ground in a clump of vegetation (2). The eggs are white with rust-coloured spots (3), and hatch to reveal red-brown chicks (2)
Conservation
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The white-breasted mesite occurs in a number of officially protected areas, including the Menabe forest, Ankarafantsika Strict Reserve, Ankarana Special Reserve and Analamera Special Reserve (4). However, this protected status does not exclude these areas from all threats. For example, the Menabe forest is increasingly threatened by illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture, caused by immigration and the resultant population growth (4). Reducing illegal activities and destructive agriculture in areas such as Menabe is a necessary measure to protect the dry forests of Madagascar and its threatened avian inhabitants (4).
Description
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The white-breasted mesite is a ground-dwelling bird with chestnut-brown plumage on the upperparts, white underparts dotted with black crescents, and a distinctive creamy or white line over the eye (2) (3). It is one of only three species in the Mesitornithidae family, all of which are found in Madagascar. Like the other two species, the white-breasted mesite has short, round wings and although it is capable of flight, it spends almost all of its time on the ground (3). When moving about its forest habitat it has a characteristic silhouette, with a short, straight bill, short legs, and with the head, back and broad tail all held horizontally. In the early morning and during the day the melodic song of the white-breasted mesite can be heard (3).
Habitat
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The white-breasted mesite inhabits dry deciduous forest, from sea level up to 150 metres. There is also one record of the white-breasted mesite in rainforest at 350 metres above sea level (4).
Range
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Endemic to Madagascar, the white-breasted mesite is known from just a few widely separated sites in the north and west of the island, and one site in the east (2) (4).
Status
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Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List 2007 (1).
Threats
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The forest within the small range of the white-breasted mesite is being lost to slash-and-burn agriculture, uncontrolled fires, and intensive commercial exploitation for timber, charcoal and firewood (2) (4). As a result of this habitat destruction, numbers of this Vulnerable bird are suspected to be declining (4). In addition, this bird is occasionally hunted (4), with even adults incubating their eggs known to have been taken (2).
White-breasted mesite
provided by wikipedia EN
The white-breasted mesite (Mesitornis variegatus) is a ground-dwelling bird endemic to Madagascar. One of three species in the mesite family, Mesitornithidae, it is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a small population and is restricted to five sites in the north and west of the island, and one in the east.
Description
The white-breasted 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 white face with distinctive facial markings (a white supercilium and dark malar stripes) and a short dark straight bill. The upperparts are rufous brown, the underside is white with a tawny chest band and a barred belly. The wings are short and rounded and the bird only flies a few metres when pursued. It has a melodic song and sings in the early morning and during the day.[2]
Ecology
The white-breasted mesite is a forest species; living in groups of two to four individuals which can be seen resting, or feeding on the ground during the day. The brown upper plumage provides camouflage while the bird forage on the forest floor, flicking over leaf-litter to find invertebrates. Diet includes beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, flies, moths, spiders, and also seeds. Egg-laying mainly takes place from November to January with one to three white eggs with rust-coloured spots. The nests are a simple structure of interwoven twigs, within vegetation, and close to the ground.[2]
Distribution
The preferred habitat is undisturbed deciduous forest and the bird has a restricted distribution on five sites in the north and west of Madagascar, as well as one in the east, Ambatovaky Reserve. The northern and western sites are Analamerana Reserve, Ankarafantsika National Park, Ankarana Special Reserve, Daraina forests and Menabe forest.[3][1]
Status
The population of this species is declining and is projected to continue doing so. It is sensitive to disturbance, and its forest home is threatened by logging and forest fires. It is also subject to hunting pressure. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the conservation status of this bird as ″vulnerable″.[1]
References
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White-breasted mesite: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
The white-breasted mesite (Mesitornis variegatus) is a ground-dwelling bird endemic to Madagascar. One of three species in the mesite family, Mesitornithidae, it is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a small population and is restricted to five sites in the north and west of the island, and one in the east.
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