Saturday, January 24, 2015

Creature Feature #462: Mesite

The Mesite are a Family of relatively small, almost flightless birds found only in Madagascar. There are three species, all of which are considered Vulnerable to extinction. This is a Subdesert Mesite, found in the spiny thickets of the lowland west coast. Her main diet is seeds and insects, which she gleans from leaves or digs for with her sturdy bill. In breeding season, she lays her eggs on an exposed platform of twigs, constructed about 2m from the ground. Whilst the other two species - the Brown and the White-brested - form monogamous partnerships, the Subdesert favours a polygamous relationship.


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