Subdesert Mesite
The Subdesert Mesite (Monias benschi) is a species of bird native to Madagascar. It is restricted to spiny thickets with open areas from sea-level to 425 feet. Populations may be dense within its extremely restricted range. It is vulnerable due to habitat degradation, predators, hunting and lack of protection, as well as its restricted range.
It is a medium-sized terrestrial bird that has a long down-curved bill that distinguishes it from other members of it family. Both sexes are grayish above and have thin white eyebrows. Both have white underparts. The male has black crescent-shaped spots on the side of the neck and upper breast. The female has reddish-brown spots that may merge into a general tone of red to brown. The female also has a yellowish-brown cheek patch.
The nest is an exposed platform of twigs built in a bush within 6.5 feet of the ground. The female lays one or two eggs. Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Food consists of vertebrates, seeds and fruit that is picked from the ground or dug out of the ground.