Photo: Ben Rackstraw / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Subdesert Mesite
Monias benschi
Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) — Unusual & Unique Birds of Africa.
The Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) is a member of the Mesitornithidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 138 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Mesitornithiformes
- Family Mesitornithidae Mesites
- Genus Monias
- Species benschi
Quick facts
- Weight
- 138 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Mesitornithidae
- Order
- Mesitornithiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Subdesert Mesite is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of dense woodland, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Subdesert Mesite is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) is a species of bird in the Mesitornithidae family, part of the order Mesitornithiformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF coastal sw Madagascar.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 138 g, with a wing length of about 12.4 cm and a tail of around 13.3 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
The species has a mapped global range of roughly 12,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Subdesert Mesite?
The Subdesert Mesite is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 138 g.
Where does the Subdesert Mesite live?
The Subdesert Mesite is found across Africa with a range covering AF coastal sw Madagascar, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Subdesert Mesite belong to?
The Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) belongs to the Mesitornithidae family, in the order Mesitornithiformes.
What does the Subdesert Mesite eat?
The Subdesert Mesite is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Subdesert Mesite migrate?
The Subdesert Mesite is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Subdesert Mesite endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
How large is the Subdesert Mesite's range?
The Subdesert Mesite has a mapped global range of about 12,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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