White-breasted mesite

Description

The white-breasted mesite is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as rail-like (a family with which the mesites are sometimes placed).The species has a white face with distinctive facial markings (a white supercilium and dark malar stripes) and a short dark straight bill.The upperparts are rufous brown,the underside is white with a tawny chest band and a barred belly.The wings are short and rounded and the bird only flies a few metres when pursued.It has a melodic song and sings in the early morning and during the day.