The white-breasted mesite or white-breasted roatelo 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.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the north and west of Madagascar, with an isolated site in the east. It inhabits dry deciduous forests, semi-evergreen woodland, and scrubby thickets with deep leaf litter. The species favors relatively open understory where it can walk and forage quietly on the forest floor. It tolerates some secondary growth but declines sharply with heavy habitat degradation and frequent burning.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-breasted mesite is a shy, ground-dwelling bird found only in Madagascar’s forests. It is one of just three species in the mesite family, a unique Malagasy lineage. Pairs or small family groups often perform soft, whistled duets at dawn. Habitat loss and hunting pressure have led to its Vulnerable conservation status.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that move quietly along the forest floor. They are thought to be largely monogamous and maintain small territories. Nests are placed low in shrubs or small trees, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, fluty whistles, often given as coordinated duets. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and dusk, carrying surprisingly far in still forest.
Plumage
Upperparts warm brown with darker mottling; wings subtly barred; underparts clean white grading to finely barred flanks. Face pale with a contrasting dark eye-stripe and whitish supercilium; tail often rufous-tinged. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, suited to moving through scrub.
Diet
Primarily forages for insects and other small invertebrates sifted from leaf litter and under fallen branches. It probes and picks using its slender, slightly decurved bill. Occasional seeds and small fruits may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the forest floor of dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests with ample leaf litter. Prefers areas with patchy understory and scattered saplings, often along trails or natural openings. Avoids very dense thickets where movement is restricted.
