Mesite
| Mesites | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||
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| Genus | ||||||||||
| Mesitornis |
The mesites are a small group of birds of uncertain affinities often alternatively placed with the Rallidae. They are smallish, near flightless birds endemic to Madagascar.
They are forest and scrub birds which feed on insects and seeds. The usually single white egg is laid in a nest in a bush.
- ORDER GALLIFORMES
- Family Megapodiidae: mound-builders
- Family Cracidae: chachalacas, guans and curassows
- Family Tetraonidae: grouse
- Family Phasianidae: partridges, pheasants, quail, and allies
- Family Odontophoridae: New World quail
- Family Numididae: guineafowl
- Family Meleagrididae: turkeys
- Family Mesitornithidae
- White-breasted Mesite, Mesitornis variegata
- Brown Mesite, Mesitornis unicolor
- Subdesert Mesite Monias benschi
